Skin and Hair Health

Skin and Hair Health

How our skin and hair look is important to many of us. At the

same time, your skin and hair are organs that do special jobs

that support life. Skin protects your inside organs from injury,

Bacteria, and viruses. Your skin, hair, and sweat glands help

Control body temperature. Body hair also alerts you to heat and touch. You can take steps to keep your skin and hair healthy.

You can also look to your skin and hair for clues to your overall

health. And, as a bonus, good skin and hair care will help you to

feel your best, too.

Age Spots

Years of sun exposure can cause flat, brown spots called “liver” or age spots to appear on your face, hands, arms, back, and feet. They are not harmful. But if the look of age spots bothers you, ask your doctor about skin-light-ening creams, laser therapy, and cryo-therapy (freezing). Use sunscreen to prevent more age spots.

Practice sun safety to prevent skin

cancer. Sun exposure puts you at great- er risk of skin cancer, whatever your skin color or ethnicity. 

To protect your skin:

• Limit exposure to the midday sun

(10 am-4 pm).

• Wear protective clothing, such

as wide-brimmed hats and long

sleeves.

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection

factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and with

both UVA and UVB protection.

Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths. Check your skin for sun damage. Tell your doctor about changes on the skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth. Ask your doctor how often you should have a clinical skin exam to check for signs of skin cancer. 

Ask your doctor if the medicines you are taking can affect your skin. For in-stance, blood thinners and aspirin can cause you to bruise more easily. Some antibiotics and vitamins make skin sunburn more easily.

Skin and hair: Clues to overall health

Healthy skin and hair are signs of good overall health. Some skin and hair

changes can signal a health problem. For instance, a “butterfly” rash on your face can be a sign of lupus. Distinct rashes appear with some viruses, such as the measles and chicken pox. An allergic reaction can cause hives, redness, and itching. Diabetes and thyroid disease can cause hair loss. Knowing how your skin and hair normally look and feel will help you notice changes to ask your doctor about.

Nail Health

Healthy fingernails and toenails are smooth, with an even color. Keep your nails clean, dry, and trimmed to pre-vent ingrown nails. If you wear artificial (fake) nails, check around the base and sides of the nails for redness, pain, and infection. Bacteria and fun-gus can grow between the artificial nail and your natural nail. Tell your doctor if you notice nail changes, which also could be the result of health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Common skin complaints

Sensitive skin

Women with sensitive skin may have itching, burning, stinging, or tightness after using products such as soaps or makeup. Women of color are more prone to sensitive skin. Look for products made for sensitive skin. Talk with your doctor if these products don’t help.

Pimples (acne)

Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Although most common in the teen years, many women get pimples into their 50s. Acne also is common during pregnancy and menopause, when hormones are changing. Medicines, such as birth control pills, can also

lead to breakouts.

The cause of acne is unclear. We do know that dirt, stress, and foods do not cause acne. But stress and certain foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, can make acne worse. Acne also appears to run in some families.

To care for acne, use mild soaps, avoid touching your skin, and wear oil-free makeup. Your doctor may also suggest an acne medicine. If so, ask about the side effects. Do not take isotretinoin (eye-soh-trih-TIN-oh-in) (Accutane®) if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant—it can hurt your baby.

Dry skin

Skin can dry out and become rough, scaly, and itchy for a number of reasons. 

Dry skin (xerosis, zih-ROH-suhss) can be caused by:

* dry air

*overuse of soaps, antiperspirants, and

Perfumes

 *not drinking enough water

*stress

*smoking

*the sun

Doctors report a higher rate of dry skin in African Americans. Try the skin care routine on pages 305 and 306. If dry skin does not improve, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, dry skin signals a health problem, such as diabetes or kidney disease. 

Cellulite

Cellulite is fat that collects just below the surface of your skin, giving it a

dimpled look. Women of all sizes can get it. Once formed, you cannot get rid of cellulite. No amount of weight loss, exercise, or massage reduces cellulite. Spa wraps, creams, and vitamins also do not help. Liposuction can make it look even worse. To prevent cellulite, try eating

well, being active, and not smoking. 

Stretch marks

Rapid growth and weight gain, such as with puberty and pregnancy, can stretch your skin, leaving pink, red, or brown streaks on your breasts, stomach, hips, buttocks, or thighs. Medicines, such as cortisones, and health problems, like diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome, also can cause stretch marks. Creams that claim to prevent stretch marks are of little value. Yet stretch marks often fade over time.