monicapink
07-11-04, 03:31 PM
I came across an article in this Sunday's paper that deals with taking care of one's skin .... written by Tedd Mitchell, M.D. * which I have copied verbatim
Our skin protects us from the environment, keeps germs out and helps regulate our body temperature. It can make us look youthful or aged DEPENDING ON HOW WELL WE TAKE CARE OF IT.
Some skin afflictions are unavoidable, but others are self-inflicted. They include:
SUN DAMAGE
Sunlight helps to provide our body with the vitamin D it needs, BUT YOU SHOULD LIMIT EXPOSURE TO LESS THAN 30 MINUTES AT A TIME, USE SUNSCREEN AND AVOID MIDDAY SUN. Too much sunlight can bring on skin spots (actinic keratoses)mostly in older folks and those WITH FAIR COMPLEXIONS.
Although not cancerous, about 10% EVENTUALLY TURN INTO SQUAMOUS CELL SKIN CANCERS. A dermatologist can evaluate these lesions for appropriate therapy.
INFECTIONS
These include acne, fungal skin infections (such as athlete's foot and jock itch) and warts. THEY CALL FOR ONGOING THERAPIES DESIGNED TO KILL THE ORGANISM CAUSING THE INFECTION while keeping the surrounding skin tissue as healthy as possible.
IMMUNE SYSTEM ISSUES
Psoriasis is HEREDITARY and is brought on by immune system problems. For some it's mild; for others, it can be disabling (even linked to a crippling form of arthritis).
Treatments vary, but often involve drugs to suppress the immune system.
ALLERGIES
An OVERACTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM also can lead to eczema, the most common inflammatory problem of the skin, characterized by ITCHING, REDNESS, SCALING AND BLISTERING . Most chronic sufferers are diagnosed as children; MANY NEVER OUTGROW IT. Prescription pills and topical treatments aim to reduce the itching and inflammation.
YOU CAN HELP CONTROL CHRONIC SKIN CONDITIONS WITH GOOD NUTRITION, EMPHASIZING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, AND BY STAYING HYDRATED.
SPECIALISTS RECOMMEND SUPPLEMENTS WITH VITAMIN C AND E TO CURB MOLECULAR DAMAGE.
*Tedd Mitchell, M.D. directs the Wellness Program of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas
Our skin protects us from the environment, keeps germs out and helps regulate our body temperature. It can make us look youthful or aged DEPENDING ON HOW WELL WE TAKE CARE OF IT.
Some skin afflictions are unavoidable, but others are self-inflicted. They include:
SUN DAMAGE
Sunlight helps to provide our body with the vitamin D it needs, BUT YOU SHOULD LIMIT EXPOSURE TO LESS THAN 30 MINUTES AT A TIME, USE SUNSCREEN AND AVOID MIDDAY SUN. Too much sunlight can bring on skin spots (actinic keratoses)mostly in older folks and those WITH FAIR COMPLEXIONS.
Although not cancerous, about 10% EVENTUALLY TURN INTO SQUAMOUS CELL SKIN CANCERS. A dermatologist can evaluate these lesions for appropriate therapy.
INFECTIONS
These include acne, fungal skin infections (such as athlete's foot and jock itch) and warts. THEY CALL FOR ONGOING THERAPIES DESIGNED TO KILL THE ORGANISM CAUSING THE INFECTION while keeping the surrounding skin tissue as healthy as possible.
IMMUNE SYSTEM ISSUES
Psoriasis is HEREDITARY and is brought on by immune system problems. For some it's mild; for others, it can be disabling (even linked to a crippling form of arthritis).
Treatments vary, but often involve drugs to suppress the immune system.
ALLERGIES
An OVERACTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM also can lead to eczema, the most common inflammatory problem of the skin, characterized by ITCHING, REDNESS, SCALING AND BLISTERING . Most chronic sufferers are diagnosed as children; MANY NEVER OUTGROW IT. Prescription pills and topical treatments aim to reduce the itching and inflammation.
YOU CAN HELP CONTROL CHRONIC SKIN CONDITIONS WITH GOOD NUTRITION, EMPHASIZING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, AND BY STAYING HYDRATED.
SPECIALISTS RECOMMEND SUPPLEMENTS WITH VITAMIN C AND E TO CURB MOLECULAR DAMAGE.
*Tedd Mitchell, M.D. directs the Wellness Program of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas