HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Skin Conditions

Dry Skin

Skin Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.

* Chapped skin.

* Skin cracks, peels, and/or flakes.

Causes

* Aging. The body naturally produces less oil and moisture.

* Cold winter weather. Dry air or heat.

* Washing the skin often. Using harsh skin products.

* Chronic and excessive sun exposure.

* Allergies. An underactive thyroid gland. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

Treatment

Dry skin is not a serious health risk. It can be managed with self-care. When dry skin is a symptom of a health problem, treating the problem treats the dry skin.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

* Apply an oil- based lotion daily.

* Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

* Take showers instead of baths. Use warm (not hot) water. Try sponge baths.

* Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.

* If you do bathe, do so for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub.

* Put soap on a washcloth, not right on the skin.

* Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil lotion or use a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.

* Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.

* Use a night cream for the face.

* Stay out of the strong sun. Do not use tanning salons. When in the sun, use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

* Don’t scratch or rub dry skin.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Warts

Skin Conditions

Warts are small skin growths. Most are harmless and painless. They can appear on any part of the body.

Signs & Symptoms

* Common warts. These are firm and often have a rough surface. They are round or have an irregular shape. They are found on places subject to injury, such as the hands, fingers, and knees. Common warts are flesh-colored to brown. They may spread, but are not cancer.

* Flat warts. These are smooth and flesh-colored. They are found mainly on the hands and face and may itch.

* Plantar warts. These occur on the soles of the feet. They look like corns or calluses and may have little black dots in the center. They can be painful.

* Digitate warts. These threadlike warts grow on the scalp.

* Filiform warts. These are long, narrow, small growths. They appear mainly on the neck, eyelids, or armpits.

* Genital warts. SeeSexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Causes

Warts are caused by human papillomaviruses. One of these viruses may enter the body through a cut or nick in the skin. Scratching or picking at warts may spread them to other sites. Some persons are more prone to getting warts than others. People who cannot fight off disease are also more at risk for warts. You cannot get warts from frogs or toads.

Treatment

Treatment for warts depends on their location, type, and severity and how long they have been on the skin. About 50% of warts go away in 6 to 12 months without treatment.

Self-care measures can be used for warts not on the face or genitals. Medical treatment includes liquid nitrogen, chemical injections, topical medicines, laser surgery, and minor surgery.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t touch, scratch, or pick at warts.

* Never cut or burn a wart off.

* Try an over-the-counter wart remover with salicylic acid. This can be a liquid or it can be in a medicated wart pad or patch. {Note: Do not use these wart removers on the face or genitals.} Follow package directions. A pumice stone helps remove the dead skin during this treatment.

* Ask your doctor about Retin A for flat warts.

* During treatment for plantar warts, put pads or cushions in your shoes. This can help relieve the pain when you walk.

To Prevent Warts

* Don’t touch, scratch, or pick at warts.

* Wear plastic sandals or shower shoes in locker rooms and public swimming pool areas.

* Change shoes often to air them out.

Resources

Skinsight

www.skinsight.com

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eczema

Skin Conditions

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition. It usually appears on the scalp, face, neck, or creases of the elbows, wrists, and knees. It usually improves as you get older, but can be a lifetime problem.

Signs & Symptoms

Patches of skin that are:

* Dry, red, and scaly

* Blistered and swollen

* Sometimes thick, discolored, or oozing and crusting

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

Eczema tends to run in families. It is also more common in persons who have allergies or asthma. Contact with cosmetics, dyes, deodorants, skin lotions, permanent press fabrics, and other allergens can aggravate eczema; so can wool fabrics, stress, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and eating foods, such as eggs, milk, seafood, or wheat products.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for skin infections and/or other medicines if self-care does not relieve symptoms.

Self-Care

* Don’t scratch! This makes eczema worse. Your skin can get infected. Keep your fingernails cut short.

* Don’t take baths too often. Add bath oil to the water. Sponge bathe in between tub baths. Take quick showers.

* Use warm (not hot) water when you take a bath or shower.

* Use a mild soap or no soap at all on the areas of eczema.

* Don’t use wool clothes and blankets.

* Use a light, nongreasy and unscented lotion on your skin after you wash. Don’t use lotions that have alcohol. They can dry the skin.

* Try to keep from sweating. For example, don’t wear too many clothes for the weather.

* Wear rubber gloves when you do housework. Put talcum powder or cornstarch inside the gloves, or use latex gloves lined with cotton.

* Avoid foods, chemicals, cosmetics, and other things that make your eczema worse.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* You have signs of an infection: Fever; and/or large amount of weeping or crusting skin areas.

* Your skin is red, you can’t stop scratching, and this keeps you from sleeping.

* You get no relief from self-care.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Decoding Sunscreen Labels

MEDICAL NEWS

You may already know you should wear sunscreen to decrease your risk of skin cancer and sun damage. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation says that wearing sunscreen regularly can decrease your chance of getting melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50 percent. Wearing sunscreen regularly will also help you avoid signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots.

But the sunscreen aisle at the store leaves many people feeling overwhelmed. There are so many choices, different labels, numbers and ingredients. How do you choose one?

The best sunscreen is one you like, because you should use it every day, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Here’s how to narrow it down and choose the sunscreen that’s right for you:

BROAD SPECTRUM

Always look for the words “broad spectrum.” This means it protects against both kinds of UV rays, and it’s important for proper protection.

SPF

Choose an SPF of at least 30.

SPF NUMBERS

Don’t let high numbers fool you. The Skin Cancer Foundation says higher SPF sunscreens do protect more, but not by much. No matter what the SPF number says, you still need to reapply at least every two hours, and always after toweling off, sweating or swimming.

WATER RESISTANT

If you’re going to be sweating or swimming, choose one that says “water resistant.” There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. The bottle will say how long the sunscreen will remain water resistant. It may say “40 minutes” or “80 minutes.” That’s how often you need to reapply it when you’ve been in the water.

LIPS

Choose a sunscreen for your lips too. A lip balm with broad spectrum SPF 30 is also important. Skin cancer can – and does – affect the lips.

GELS vs CREAMS

Sunscreen gels are great for oily skin, while creams work well for dry skin.

SENSITIVE SKIN

If you have sensitive skin, consider a physical-only sunscreen. This means the active ingredients on the bottle will only include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or both. While chemical sunscreens work well, they can irritate some sensitive-skin types.

PRICE TAG

Expensive doesn’t always mean better. A higher price tag may be due to the brand name or certain extra ingredients that make it feel nicer or smell good. It doesn’t mean it will protect you more than a cheaper bottle.

NO COMBINATION

Don’t choose a combination sunscreen and insect repellant. The AAD says sunscreen should be reapplied liberally every two hours. But insect repellant should only be applied lightly every several hours as needed.

BABIES

Most sunscreens are only approved for babies over 6 months of age. Look for a physical-only sunscreen or one formulated for babies. Babies younger than 6 months should be kept in the shade and covered with lightweight protective clothing and hats, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What Your Fingernails Reveal About Your Health

Skin Conditions

You may see your hands hundreds of times a day, but do you ever examine them? Probably not. Yet taking a closer look – especially at our fingernails – may not be a bad idea. They’re a good indicator of overall health.

Spoon-shaped nails, for example, may simply be an inherited trait – or they can be a clue to a thyroid deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. Nails that have no “moon” or white crescent at the base and are thin and brittle might indicate an underactive thyroid. Still other changes – like brittleness or pitting – may be signs of other nutritional deficiencies or injury to the nail bed. While no one can diagnose a health problem on the basis of nail irregularities only, the table on next page may tip you off to possible health problems. (Consult your doctor if you see any significant changes in your nails.)

Barring any medical explanation for nail problems, the following tips can help your nails look healthier and more attractive.

* Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.

* Wear gloves when you do household chores or hobbies to avoid contact with detergents or harsh chemicals that can dry or damage nails.

* Clean nails with a nail brush, especially if you garden or work with messy materials. Clip cuticles and rough skin to prevent tears. File nails in one direction only. Use an emery board, not a metal nail file.

* Don’t use your nails as tools, such as to remove staples. If you polish your nails, use polish remover sparingly.

Nail Symptoms and What They Could Mean

Brittleness: Frequent immersion in hot water; generally poor health; impaired circulation; possible deficiency of vitamins A, C, B6, or niacin, deficiency of calcium or iron; thyroid deficiency

Clubbing: Chronic lung disease or lung cancer; congenital heart disease; congenital or hereditary defect

Pitting (may be normal): Eczema; psoriasis; trauma

Ridges: Emphysema; heredity; kidney failure; old age; rheumatoid arthritis, traumas

Separation (when nail plate lifts off nail bed): Allergy to nail lacquer and hardeners; fungal infection; iron deficiency anemia; pregnancy; psoriasis; trauma

Splitting at top edge: Immersion in water for long periods, nail polish removers

Spoon shaped: Thyroid deficiency; iron deficiency anemia

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Face Facts About Acne

SELF-CARE CORNER

Acne. It’s embarrassing. It’s annoying. And it’s the most common skin condition in the U.S. Fortunately, acne can often be reduced with simple changes to your skin care routine, say experts from the American Academy of Dermatology.

For clearer skin, follow these tips:

* Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.

* Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin. Do not use skin care products that irritate the skin, which may include astringents, toners, and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.

* Rinse with lukewarm water.

* Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.

* Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase your risk of getting acne scars.

* Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.

* Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.

* See a skin specialist for the most current treatments.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hair Loss

Skin Conditions

Most men have some degree of baldness by age 60. After age 60, 50% of women do.

Signs & Symptoms

* Thinning of hair on the temples and crown.

* Receding hair line.

* Bald spot on back of head.

* Areas of patchy hair loss.

Causes

* Normal aging. Family history of hair loss. Hormonal changes, such as with menopause.

* A side effect of some medicines, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Crash dieting.

* A prolonged or serious illness. Major surgery. Thyroid disease.

* Areata. This causes areas of patchy hair loss. It improves quickly when treated, but can go away within 18 months without treatment.

Treatment

* Medications. These include over-the- counter Rogaine and prescribed ones.

* Hair transplant with surgery.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Try the over-the-counter medication, Rogaine.

* Avoid (or don’t use often) hair care practices of bleaching, braiding, cornrowing, dyeing, perming, etc. Avoid hot curling irons and/or hot rollers. Use gentle hair care products.

* Air dry or towel dry your hair. If you use a hairdryer, set it on low.

* Keep your hair cut short. It will look fuller.

* Don’t be taken in by claims for products that promise to cure baldness.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Foot Health Tips For Summer

WELL-BEING

When warm weather arrives, many people break out the flip-flops, sandals or forego shoes altogether. But the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says this can be harmful to your feet if you’re not careful.

Many flip-flops and summer shoes contain little to no support or protection. This increases your chances for foot injuries. They can also aggravate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and other painful foot problems.

You can still enjoy summer and keep your hard-working feet healthy by following these tips:

* Don’t go barefoot in public bathrooms. If you have a cut on your foot, it can get infected. You could also get a foot fungus or plantar wart. Use flip-flops in these cases to protect your feet.

* If you have diabetes or neuropathy, never go barefoot – even indoors.

* Don’t rely on flip-flops for daily wear. Use them in place of going barefoot around the pool, or in public bathrooms. Instead, choose sandals or lightweight shoes that have good arch support and are designed for comfort.

* Use sunscreen on the tops and bottoms of your feet any time they are exposed.

* Wear closed-toed shoes to mow the lawn or do yard work.

* If sandals are rubbing or causing blisters, don’t wear them. Don’t pop blisters. This leaves the foot open to an infection.

* Wear proper walking shoes and socks to the airport when traveling for summer vacation. Never try out new shoes on vacation. Pack shoes that you know are comfortable and won’t rub or cause blisters or pain.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026