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
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I was told by a dermatologist that I was born with ectodermal dysplasia. I've never had a lot of hair but it's getting even thinner as I get older. Is there a diet or supplement that I can take to promote better hair growth, and help me keep what I have?
Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem and will be different from individual to individual. You have not given me much information to work with but I am happy to get you started in the right direction.Nutriti... continue reading about I was told by a dermatologist that I was born with ectodermal dysplasia. I've never had a lot of hair but it's getting even thinner as I get older. Is there a diet or supplement that I can take to promote better hair growth, and help me keep what I have?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to make your skin feel better by reducing dryness. Moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles or aging. If you do not have dry skin, you do not need a moisturizer. Using the wr... continue reading about What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot and what is the best way to get rid of it?
Symptoms of athlete's foot can consist of itching of the foot and between the toes, and redness and peeling between the toes and/or around the foot in a mocassin distribution. Frequently people with athlete's f... continue reading about What are the symptoms of athlete's foot and what is the best way to get rid of it?
Kelly M. Gallego, M.D., FACS
Sutter Medical Foundation
What kind of anti-aging treatments are available for wrinkled hands? Of course, hands are always visible and mine have begun to look splotchy and wrinkled.
Many patients have concerns about the appearance of their hands. Patients frequently report that their hands make them look older than they feel. Like the face, neck, and superior chest, the hands are quite vis... continue reading about What kind of anti-aging treatments are available for wrinkled hands? Of course, hands are always visible and mine have begun to look splotchy and wrinkled.
Catherine Lenz, PA-C
Sutter Medical FoundationSutter Medical Foundation
What can be done about aging, thinning skin on the arms and legs as we get older? Is there a best ingredient in over-the-counter products? This is happening despite excellent nutrition and otherwise very good health.
This question undoubtedly is asked by patients every day. Truth be told, there are preventive measures that can slow down the aging process, but sadly there is no way to completely avoid or reverse the aging pr... continue reading about What can be done about aging, thinning skin on the arms and legs as we get older? Is there a best ingredient in over-the-counter products? This is happening despite excellent nutrition and otherwise very good health.
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?
A bruise occurs when small capillaries under the skin rupture and blood leaks out. It is usually due to trauma but it is common for some people to "bruise easily" or find bruises and not even remember any traum... continue reading about I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I read about a new procedure that heats up layers of facial skin using radiofrequency. It's supposed to help promote collagen on wrinkles and sags. Can you tell me if this really works, is it painful, and what is the cost?
Ten years ago, the only option we had to lift and tighten sagging skin was surgery. Today, there are a number of noninvasive skin treatments that can lift and tighten the skin without surgery. These noninvasive... continue reading about I read about a new procedure that heats up layers of facial skin using radiofrequency. It's supposed to help promote collagen on wrinkles and sags. Can you tell me if this really works, is it painful, and what is the cost?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to estrogens. For this reason, any hormone replacement you are taking that contains estrogen can contribute, so I would refrain from using estrogens. Also, the h... continue reading about I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
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