Skin problems

They may need to be removed, as they may turn into malignant growths. Cancer of the skin can be much less serious than cancer in any other part of the body because it can be diagnosed readily and early and removed early-provided no time is wasted on dangerous home treatment. Always make certain that any new or changing growth or lesion -a lump, sore, or wart-is harmless by having your physician check it rather than by "waiting to see." Waiting can represent dangerous loss of time. (See page 556 for more on cancer.)

 OTHER SKIN DISEASES Syphilis may be the reason behind any sore appearing in the genital region between three days to three months after sexual intercourse with an infected person. It may manifest itself again about six weeks later in the form of a measles-like rash, accompanied by 'jymplom5 somewhat like those of a cold. Although it is not true from syphilis, there is no time to waste if a sore or rash should be syphilitic in nature. Your physician can cure the disease immediately or set your mind at ease by making a test that can prove you do not have it. Syphilis does not cause pimples and itching. (See page 657 for fuller discussion of syphilis.) 

Erysipelas, also known as St. Anthony's fire, is an infection of the skin and underlying tissue caused by streptococcal bacteria. The affected skin becomes swollen, painful, burning, itching, and red, with a glazed, shining surface. It must be treated by a physician, who can cure it with avail- able modern medications. Glanders, anthrax, and tularemia are serious ailments contracted from animals with these diseases. Skin lesions can be important symptoms. Rashes can be caused by many contagious diseases such as smallpox, meningitis, measles, and other common diseases of childhood. It is important to note that any rash or abnormal skin condition that is accompanied by a fever or a general feeling of illness is a danger signal. A physician should be consulted for prompt diagnosis and necessary treatment. Lupus erythematosus, pemphigus, and scleroderma are potentially dangerous skin diseases.

 Lupus erythematosus is manifested by a red eruption of the nose and cheek, which takes the shape of a butterfly. It may follow exposure to the sun. The disease frequently remains in its mild form, especially if the patient follows the physician's recommendations. Pemphigus usually begins as a number of blisters, most commonly starting around the nose and mouth and gradually involving the rest of the body. Scleroderma, a hardening of the skin, is usually preceded by changes in the circulation of the skin, especially in the hands and feet, which become bluish and cold. These diseases today, with prompt treatment, have a far better outlook than only a few years ago. They are rare diseases and are mentioned here as a reminder that the skin is an important organ of the body and can be affected by more than minor ailments. 

Acne Skin RosaCea allergies

ACNE ROSACEA

Although somewhat similar in name to common acne, acne rosacea bears no resemblance to it in appearance or mechanism. Popularly, it is often termed "whiskey nose," which could hardly be more erroneous. Rosacea occurs in people who have never touched alcohol. It involves excessive flushing of the blood vessels of nose and cheeks. A nervous reflex may be a factor in such excessive flushing, and drinking alcohol may encourage the reflex, but the alcohol is not essential. With long-continued abnormal flushing, the blood vessels become more apparent, and nose size may increase. Even the worst case of acne rosacea can be cured. And, in mild or early stages, the problem often can be controlled by simple measures: frequent application of cold water, witch hazel, or ice to help contract the blood vessels. Pat or rub on gently; do not massage. It is also often helpful to minimize intake of alcohol and of hot and spicy foods.

SKIN ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES The skin, if a tough organ, is also a sensitive one. It can mirror emotions; it can also mirror internal allergic states. People have long been familiar with one form of allergy manifested in the skin-hives. In hives, superficial areas filled with a watery fluid appear and disappear on the skin, often itching quite severely. Hives may pop up after a particular food is eaten. Nettle rash, drug rash, and urticaria are other names for similar conditions. Itching from allergic reactions can be relieved by application of calamine lotion available in any drugstore or by bathing in water containing a cupful of bicarbonate of soda per bathtub of water.

Of course, the best thing to do, when possible, is to identify and avoid the substance that produces the reaction. Sometimes, this is not difficult. Many people have been able to determine for themselves that they get hives or "break out" after eating strawberries, for example, or after using a perfumed soap, wearing certain types of fabric, or taking a certain medication. It is certainly not difficult to discover that one is allergic to poison ivy or poison oak. There are instances, however, when it requires the detective skill of a specially trained physician-a dermatologist or allergist-to determine whether, in fact, a condition is really due to allergy and, if so, what the culprit substance or substances maybe. 

Skin wrinkles - cosmetics- skin specialist- soaps to cure skin problems

WRINKLES

Many skin specialists place a large share of blame for wrinkles on excessive sunshine. Total avoidance of the sun is not necessary, but care in the amount of direct or reflected sunlight you expose yourself to is warranted. Another cause of wrinkles is excessive exposure to soap and water. Many housewives rinse their hands automatically before touching almost anything. Without realizing it, they may rinse several dozen times a day. Cleanliness is not to be forsaken but it is a good idea to do some house- work wearing rubber gloves or to rub on a good hand lotion from time to time. Bath oils have become popular because women have noticed how attractive the skin looks after being anointed with oil. It is important, we think, to note here, too, that when an overweight person takes off weight too quickly-more than three or four pounds a week-the skin may become loose and wrinkled.

Weight loss should be undertaken at a moderate pace, for the sake of both general health and skin appearance. If careful reducing is combined with exercise, the skin will not become loose and wrinkled. Skin massage cannot prevent wrinkles; it may make you feel good but accomplishes little else. "Skin foods" won't do any good either. Like any other organ, the skin is fed by the body and needs no special foods of its own. Wearing "wrinkle eradicators" or "masks" to bed nightly won't help either. Actually, once wrinkles or lines have appeared, only skillful plastic surgery can eliminate them.

There is, we believe, a place for wrinkle removal through surgery-for anyone, such as an actress, for whom a youthful appearance may be a professional necessity. For the average woman, we would suggest: Why not just avoid frowning and, instead, smile, so that when wrinkles or lines appear, they add to, rather than detract from, the appearance. Exaggerated wrinkle-removing and rejuvenating claims are made for many lotions, creams, muscle oils, astringents, skin conditioners, etc. If you find yourself sorely tempted to use one, consult your local Better Business Bureau or write to the American Medical Association, 535 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois