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When to consult a specialist: Health conscious beauty

Beauty

Why isn't that pimple going away? Should you be worried about the dry patches on your skin? Why are you experiencing sudden hair loss? These are just some of the questions you might need a dermatologist to answer for you. While most skin and beauty issues can be easily resolved through the right beauty care, diet, and exercise, there are some which need an expert's opinion. In fact, some beauty problems which don't seem like a big deal might actually be symptoms of more serious health conditions.

THE STUBBORN PIMPLE Would men be able to handle childbirth better than women?? Do you have a pimple or bump on your skin that hasn't bulged in a couple of weeks? Maybe it bleeds when you pick it. Although most pimples will heal quite easily in a matter of days, a pimple that lasts weeks is a big cause of concern. It could be....... A symptom of skin cancer- either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These types of non-melanoma cancer could show up anywhere on the body but are most common on areas frequently exposed to the sun such as face, arms, and legs. These cancers show up as a zit or a small, pearly bump but they can also present as a red patch which looks like eczema, or a patch of dry and hardened skin. If skin cancer is suspected, your dermatologist will perform a biopsy. A positive biopsy test will lead to an in-office procedure to remove the underlying skin layers. A sign of bacterial infection, for which your dermatologist will recommend an antibiotic.

RED INFLAMMED SCALY LIPS Chapped lips are quite common, especially in cold, windy seasons. You might also have dry lips if you are in the habit of constantly licking them, or don't drink enough water. However, if you always have chapped lips despite taking every precaution to treat them, a dermatological visit might be in order. It could be: Actinic cheilitis. Recurrent, reddish, scaly patches around your mouth and lip line could be a symptom of actinic cheilitis, pre-cancerous lesions caused by sun exposure. These lesions are more common in men than women – because men rarely apply sun-protective lip balms. If a biopsy is positive, your dermatologist might recommend laser treatment, a chemical peel, or topical medication.

THINNING HAIR Hair loss could be linked to a number of factors. It could be: Alopecia areata. It is typically caused by stress and is treated with cortisone injections. Telogen effluvium. This is a stress-related form of hair loss which comes after pregnancy, illness, surgery or any other extremely stressful experience. This will usually resolve itself after a few months although a dermatologist might recommend topical treatments to encourage hair growth. Either hypo or hyperthyroidism. This can be diagnosed with a blood test and treated with oral medication.

SCALY PATCHES If you've been religiously applying moisturiser on a dry patch of skin but it isn't responding, you might have a bigger problem than you initially thought. It could be: Ringworm. This is a fungal infection that forms on the epidermis and can be easily treated with a topical cream or oral medication. Actinic keratosis (AK). This is a pre-cancer symptom. The dry patches form on areas exposed to the sun such as face, ears, and scalp. AK patches might flake off, only to reoccur in the same spot. They are usually treated with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the damaged cells before they become cancerous.

DISCOLOURED NAILS In most cases, nail discolouration is caused by staining from nail polish or bruising (like when you catch your finger on a door). However, if your nails have dark or purple splotches which you can't explain, schedule a session with your dermatologist. It could be: A sign of melanoma –the most severe form of skin cancer. A sign of kidney or liver disease. People with kidney failure tend to have nails which are white at the bottom and dark at the tip, forming a half-and-half look. A fungal infection signified by white or yellow nail beds. A bacterial infection if there are greenish tints.

PIGMENTED PATCHES If you have dark or light patches on your skin, it is prudent to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible. It could be: Tinea versicolor. This is quite harmless. Tinea versicolor is a sweat-induced yeast infection on the skin which causes light brown patches which can be treated with antifungal creams, lotions, or pills. Melasma, a skin condition common in pregnant women. Vitiligo. Other patches could indicate more serious problems –such as the white, depigmented patches caused by vitiligo. Vitiligo results from damage of melanocytes (cells which produce melanin) and is an incurable condition.

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