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
![Medical ointment](/images/health-topics/dermatology/medical-ointment-280x150.jpg)
Help for Common Skin Problems
Discover preventive strategies and treatments for age spots, broken vessels and skin tags.
![Doctor doing skin cancer exam](/images/health-topics/dermatology/doctor-skin-cancer-exam-280x150.jpg)
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.
![Applying lotion](/images/health-topics/dermatology/applying-lotion-in-sun-280x150.jpg)
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?
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.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have some ugly and large varicose veins on my legs. I've read about laser treatments to remove them, but would like to know how many treatments it takes, does the treatment hurt, and will my insurance cover the procedure?
I assume from your question that you are referring to the large veins that stick out from the skin surface as raised lumps and not small spider veins. Spider veins are a cosmetic problem and treatment for them ... continue reading about I have some ugly and large varicose veins on my legs. I've read about laser treatments to remove them, but would like to know how many treatments it takes, does the treatment hurt, and will my insurance cover the procedure?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Is it possible to lift small breasts without needing implants to fill up the sagging skin?
A woman's breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness due to conditions such as pregnancy, breast feeding, weight changes, aging, and gravity.A breast lift procedure raises and firm... continue reading about Is it possible to lift small breasts without needing implants to fill up the sagging skin?
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm a 40-year-old woman considering modest-sized breast implants. Will they interfere with the ability to detect breast cancer?
Breast augmentation using implants will not interfere with breast cancer detection. Implants of all shapes and sizes have a shell made from silicone, which is an inert solid and is used in many implantable devi... continue reading about I'm a 40-year-old woman considering modest-sized breast implants. Will they interfere with the ability to detect breast cancer?
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 burned my hand on the oven yesterday, and now the blister has opened up. Is it best to leave the burn uncovered so that it can dry, or should I bandage it?
A burn that blisters is usually a second-degree burn. This type of burn is treated as a minor burn if the area is not larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter and not located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, gr... continue reading about I burned my hand on the oven yesterday, and now the blister has opened up. Is it best to leave the burn uncovered so that it can dry, or should I bandage it?
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?
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm considering breast implants. What should I look for (beyond board certification) in selecting my plastic surgeon?
For any surgical procedure, you should do your homework. This includes breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon should be board certified in Plastic Surgery. Remember that any surgery, cosmetic or not, is a ma... continue reading about I'm considering breast implants. What should I look for (beyond board certification) in selecting my plastic surgeon?
More Resources
![View Sutter's full resource library](/images/icons/medical-library-80x80.png)
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
![View information for Sutter Health Patients](/images/icons/patient-record-80x80.png)
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
![Tools and Quizzes](/images/icons/tools-quizzes-80x80.png)
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.