Catch Skin Cancer Early
Use the ABCDE method to do monthly skin checks and detect changes in moles.
Protect Yourself in the Sun
Confused about UVA, UVB and SPF? Learn the best ways to protect your skin and stay healthy in the sun.
The Dark Side of Tanning
Tanning damages your skin. Learn safer ways to achieve a healthy glow.
Featured Articles
Help for Common Skin Problems
Discover preventive strategies and treatments for age spots, broken vessels and skin tags.
How to Catch Skin Cancer Early
Skin cancer is curable when caught early. Learn how to perform skin self-exams and when to get checkups.
Living with Psoriasis
Do you struggle with red, scaly patches or tiny bumps on your body? Here’s what you need to know.
Ask an Expert
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Is a 68-year-old female a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a personal decision some women choose to make during their lifetimes. A breast augmentation will increase the size of the breasts, and may add volume that has been lost with breastfeeding... continue reading about Is a 68-year-old female a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the best acne treatments for women over 35?
Acne is caused by heredity, hormones and stress. Years ago diet and cosmetics were blamed for acne, but current thinking downplays these factors. Often women who escaped teenage acne get adult acne, and it''s o... continue reading about What are the best acne treatments for women over 35?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm a woman in my 20s who gets acne on her back and chest. What is causing this (as I rarely get acne on my face), and what can I do to treat and prevent it?
It is not unusual for an adult or a teenager to develop acne on the chest and back. However, it is important to be sure that hormonal problems are not the cause of acne in these locations. Although internal hor... continue reading about I'm a woman in my 20s who gets acne on her back and chest. What is causing this (as I rarely get acne on my face), and what can I do to treat and prevent it?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 50 and don't spend a lot of time in the sun. I use sunscreen but I've noticed that I'm getting darker skin blotches, not like moles but damaged skin cells. My MD isn't worried, but I don't like the look. How do I get rid of them and protect my skin?
The most common skin blotches that appear after many years of sun exposure are called solar lentigos. These brown spots are smooth and do not have a rough texture. They are caused by years of unprotected sun ex... continue reading about I'm 50 and don't spend a lot of time in the sun. I use sunscreen but I've noticed that I'm getting darker skin blotches, not like moles but damaged skin cells. My MD isn't worried, but I don't like the look. How do I get rid of them and protect my skin?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?
Anyone can be susceptible to getting the annoying facial bumps often called whiteheads. These small painless lesions are referred to medically as closed comedones. The presence of these whiteheads is one presen... continue reading about Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?
Michael G. Cedars, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus
Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?
Depending on the filler, they typically last six to 12 months, and most require only a single treatment to create their effect. They vary also in terms of stiffness, so the best one for, say, the lips would be ... continue reading about Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How much hair loss is too much in women? How do I know if something is wrong?
Men and women can lose 100 hairs per day normally. Some days there might be a bit more or less. These hairs are replaced by new ones growing in from the root of the same follice, pushing out the old hairs in a ... continue reading about How much hair loss is too much in women? How do I know if something is wrong?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
Eden Medical Center
What causes broken veins around the ankles? Is there any preventive measures that can be taken?
Those small dilated veins around the ankle are very common (I have them too) and are called telangectasias or "spider veins." They are not usually a health concern and are most often asymptomatic. On occasion t... continue reading about What causes broken veins around the ankles? Is there any preventive measures that can be taken?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
The following can cause increased hair loss: poor nutrition, genes, hormones, age, certain medications, stress, rapid weight loss and some medical conditions.I will address the nutrition component. Listed are s... continue reading about I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.