Dermatology

"How do I pick a sunscreen?"
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that has broad-spectrum coverage against all ultraviolet light wavelengths. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ingredients which provide broad-spectrum protection include benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789). .

"What is the difference between UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) light?"
Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays; UVA rays and UVB rays. The UVB rays are the sun's burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, or base layer of the skin. They also contribute to sunburns and skin cancer.

"Why is PABA in my lotion?"
PABA protects against UVB light only. The other ingredients listed above help to protect against both UVA and UVB light spectrums which burn different layers of skin and are blocked differently.

"What is SPF and why do I care about this?"
The sun protective factor is a relative scale based on the time it takes a fair skinned person to burn under direct sunlight. Using the lowest SPF as a benchmark and then multiplying the higher SPF lotions the higher SPF allow you to have more time in the sun and will marginally increase your protection against harmful light penetration based on light ray deflection.

"I want to tan!"
Even tanning in a tanning booth causes harmful rays which damage and age your skin and place you at risk for immune suppression and skin cancer. Tanning is not healthy for your skin.

"I have heard about some cool new lotions for sunscreen protection."
'Kiss My Face After Sun Aloe Soother' for after sun exposure.
'Proderma Face Stick' is a waxy textured sunscreen for swimmers.
'Himaya Sports Sun Protection' leaves no residue and is water resistant.
'Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense' is a clear form of zinc oxide.
'Obagi's Nu-Derm Physical UV Block' boasts strong UV protection.
'Kynesys Performance Sunscreen' contains Parsol 1789.

Source: Outside Magazine: June 2005

"I got conjunctivitis in my eye. Does this mean that I have to get rid of my mascara?"
It would be wise to replace your eye make up since there is a possibility that this can serve as a site for future infections. Limiting your friends access to your make up can also help to prevent the spread of this and other diseases.

"My hair is falling out!"
There are two common types of hair loss.

1. One is called telogen effluvium in which the person complains that he or she is having thinning of the hair and it seems to be coming out in handfuls. The sink and hairbrush is often "full of hair". This type of hair loss can often follow a major illness or health related event such as having a baby. Diet changes especially if associated with rapid weight loss can also precipitate this type of hair loss as can thyroid disease. This type of hair loss resolved spontaneously in the vast majority of people without treatment (if due to physical stress or illness) or after treatment of the underlying condition.
2. Alopecia areata presents as coin sized hairless areas on the scalp. These do not bother the person and are not accompanied by itching or irritation. This type is caused by the body attacking its' own hair cells. This type may resolve all by itself but may return again. There seems to be no reliable therapy for this condition.