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Help for Common Skin Problems
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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 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
I recently read about cosmetic surgeons using endoscopes to perform face lifts and brow lifts. Besides small incisions, are there any other benefits to this procedure (cost, downtime, results)? Also I'm in my 50s. Would I still be a good candidate?
An endoscope is a small camera that enables surgeons to work precisely through small incisions, which results in reduced scars and faster recovery. Endoscopic techniques in plastic surgery are useful for proced... continue reading about I recently read about cosmetic surgeons using endoscopes to perform face lifts and brow lifts. Besides small incisions, are there any other benefits to this procedure (cost, downtime, results)? Also I'm in my 50s. Would I still be a good candidate?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?
Anyone can be susceptible to getting the annoying facial bumps often called whiteheads. These small painless lesions are referred to medically as closed comedones. The presence of these whiteheads is one presen... continue reading about Since pregnancy and having kids, I've been getting stubborn-looking whiteheads on my face. They don't go away with exfoliation or being picked. They are clustered under my eyes and mouth. How can I eliminate the ones I have, and prevent new ones?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My son is in school all day, then jumps into a car to travel to an outdoor swim practice. He has about five minutes to get ready. If we apply sunscreen in the morning, is it still effective eight hours later? What sunscreens are best for his situation?
I'm SO glad that your family is remembering sunscreen! The most recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that approximately 70,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with melanoma... continue reading about My son is in school all day, then jumps into a car to travel to an outdoor swim practice. He has about five minutes to get ready. If we apply sunscreen in the morning, is it still effective eight hours later? What sunscreens are best for his situation?
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.
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?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
If I get liposuction to get rid of my belly fat, will I reduce the health risks associated with being "apple" shaped?
Liposuction is a great way to contour and reshape the body (including the belly) by removing unwanted fat. Unfortunately, liposuction is not a treatment for weight loss, nor does it appear to influence the risk... continue reading about If I get liposuction to get rid of my belly fat, will I reduce the health risks associated with being "apple" shaped?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?
A bruise occurs when small capillaries under the skin rupture and blood leaks out. It is usually due to trauma but it is common for some people to "bruise easily" or find bruises and not even remember any traum... continue reading about I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?
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?
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