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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
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Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have a seasonal reoccurring rash. Can this be related to allergies?
Usually when someone has a “seasonal” allergy, it means springtime symptoms caused by pollen. Although pollen allergy certainly can cause nasal, eye or asthma symptoms, it rarely would cause a rash ... continue reading about I have a seasonal reoccurring rash. Can this be related to allergies?
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.
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
Here's a direct quote from the FDA about the term "hypoallergenic" as it relates to cosmetics:"Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic... continue reading about What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?
Today's breast implants are made from a variety of state-of-the-art materials including saline, silicone gel, and highly cohesive silicone gel. All of the breast implants currently approved by the FDA are consi... continue reading about I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?
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
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?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm 37 and just had my second child. I exercise and eat well, but notice a lot of sagging skin on my body after this second pregnancy. I've heard about "Mommy Makeovers". Can you tell me more about this?
A "Mommy Makeover" is a series of procedures aimed at reversing unwanted changes associated with pregnancy.The process of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can be hard on a woman's body and cause a woman... continue reading about I'm 37 and just had my second child. I exercise and eat well, but notice a lot of sagging skin on my body after this second pregnancy. I've heard about "Mommy Makeovers". Can you tell me more about this?
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?
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?
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