What's Up With Your Skin?

This week's newsletter focuses on the skin, the largest organ in the body. The skin serves many important functions, including

• Maintaining water and electrolyte balance
• Protecting the body against intrusions of microorganisms and other dangerous substances
• Regulating body temperature
• Sensing painful and pleasant stimuli
• Participating in Vitamin D synthesis

Variations in color, texture, folds, wrinkles, and other marks - both natural and those added by people (e.g., tattoos) - help distinguish us as individuals. 

Changes in our skin affect not only our appearance but also our health and well-being. Rashes can make us itch like crazy, pimples can cause mental distress, skin cancer can sometimes disfigure us and, unfortunately, occasionally leads to our death.

Most of the time, however, skin conditions are irritating, annoying, or a bit painful. And, most can be treated effectively if you see someone who knows what they are doing.

The author of all of this week's stories is that type of person and we are grateful that she is a regular contributor to The Doctor Weighs In. She Fayne Frey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in New York City.

If you like these stories, please be sure to read everything she has written for us at https://thedoctorweighsin.com/author/ffrey/ 

Poison Ivy: How to Treat That Itchy Rash

Contact with Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac almost always leads to an intensely itchy, weepy, raised red rash. I am sure, my dear readers, that most of you have had it so you know exactly what I mean.

Although there are effective treatments available, there is no question in anyone's mind that it is best to avoid contact with these dastardly plants in the first place. Included in this story are photos of plants in different seasons as well as explanations of how to identify them in nature.

But, if you can’t or worse, if you didn’t stay away from them, then you should act quickly to remove as much of the plant's resin as you can by washing all of the affected areas with soap and water.

If the rash erupts anyway (and it's likely to), try the home remedies that Dr. Frey describes first. She also lets you know when it is time to seek medical care for more serious cases.

The moral of the story in 6 words: "Leaves of three, let them be!"

LEARN THE DETAILS

What to Do If Your Hands Are a Mess From Washing Them So Much?

Even though the country is gradually opening up from our COVID-19 lockdown, the recommendation to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly remains in place. This can, however, lead to dry skin and hand eczema - conditions that are annoying and, at times, uncomfortable. 

Both of these conditions can be avoided or minimized by proper handwashing and the use of effective moisturizers. Dr. Frey explains what you need to know to do this right.

READ MORE

How Do I Know If I Have Skin Cancer?

If you find a new growth on your skin how do you know if it is cancer? The simple answer: you don’t. 

The average layperson does not know how to diagnose skin cancer, nor should you be expected to. But it is your job to help find it!

You should start with regular and thorough skin self-checks at least monthly - you may have to enlist a loved one to help you with the parts that you can't easily see.

If you find something worrisome (see explanation in the story), then seek out care from a dermatologist who can make the definitive diagnosis.

Remember, most skin cancers are treatable and, in many cases, curable - if they are found early.

READ THE FULL STORY

How to Face Down Acne: What's Science and What's Myth?

?Who doesn’t know the horror of waking up to an inflamed red pimple? Not only does it cause physical discomfort but the psychological toll and sheer embarrassment over the “damned spot” can weigh on us for days. If this has happened to you then you know first hand how hard it is to face down acne.

Dr. Frey explains everything you may want to know about acne ranging from what it is and what causes it to acne home treatments and when to see a dermatologist. She also debunks common acne myths. This is an essential read if pimples are your problem.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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Other stories from The Doctor Weighs In

Understanding Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

Little Lump or Bump on the Eyelid? Beware, It Could Be Skin Cancer

How Do You Know If You Have the Right Breast Size?

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