Healthy skin and hair are signs
of good overall health. Some skin and hair changes can signal a health problem.
For instance, a “butterfly” rash on your face can be a sign of lupus. Distinct
rashes appear with some viruses, such as the measles and chicken pox. An
allergic reaction can cause hives, redness, and itching. Diabetes and thyroid
disease can cause hair loss. Knowing how your skin and hair normally look and
feel will help you notice changes to ask your doctor about.
Common skin complaints
Sensitive skin
Women with
sensitive skin may have itching, burning, stinging, or tightness after using
products such as soaps or makeup. Women of color are more prone to sensitive
skin. Look for products made for sensitive skin. Talk with your doctor if these
products don’t help.
Pimples (acne)
Pimples form when
hair follicles under your skin clog up. Although most common in the teen
years, many women get pimples into their 50s. Acne also is common during
pregnancy and menopause, when hormones are changing. Medicines, such as birth
control pills, can also lead to breakouts.
The cause of acne is
unclear. We do know that dirt, stress, and foods do not cause acne. But stress
and certain foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, can make acne worse. Acne
also appears to run in some families.
To care for
acne, use mild soaps, avoid touching your skin, and wear oil-free makeup. Your
doctor may also suggest an acne medicine. If so, ask about the side effects. Do
not take isotretinoin if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant—it can hurt
your baby.
Dry skin
Skin can dry out and
become rough, scaly, and itchy for a number of reasons. Dry can be caused by: dry
air overuse of soaps, antiperspirants, and perfumes not drinking enough water stress smoking the sun Doctors
report a higher rate of dry skin in African Americans. Try the skin care
routine on pages 305 and 306. If dry skin does not improve, talk to your
doc-tor. Sometimes, dry skin signals a health problem,
such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Cellulite
Cellulite is fat that collects
just below the surface of your skin, giving it a dimpled look. Women of all
sizes can get it. Once formed, you cannot get rid of cellulite. No amount of
weight loss, exercise, or massage reduces cellulite. Spa wraps, creams, and
vitamins also do not help. Liposuction can make it look even worse. To prevent
cellulite, try eating well, being active, and not smoking.
Stretch
marks
Rapid growth and
weight gain, such as with puberty and pregnancy, can stretch your skin, leaving
pink, red, or brown streaks on your breasts, stomach, hips, buttocks, or
thighs. Medicines, such as cortisone, and health problems, like diabetes or Cushion's syndrome, also can cause stretch marks. Creams that claim to prevent
stretch marks are of little value. Yet stretch marks often fade over time.
