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.
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Help for Common Skin Problems
Discover preventive strategies and treatments for age spots, broken vessels and skin tags.
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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.
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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
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
Are there any safe oral supplements you would recommend for thinning hair? I believe this is happening because of hypothyroid medication.
There are a number of things that can cause hair loss. Diffuse hair loss - hair loss at the temples and the top of the head - is the most common type of hair loss. It tends to run in families and becomes more p... continue reading about Are there any safe oral supplements you would recommend for thinning hair? I believe this is happening because of hypothyroid medication.
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What is the best way to deal with dry, itchy skin in the winter?
The best way to deal with dry itchy skin during the winter is to take the time to moisturize your skin daily and minimize hot showers. As the temperature drops, we start to take longer and hotter showers, which... continue reading about What is the best way to deal with dry, itchy skin in the winter?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have dry skin and have read that using coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer for my face and body. Does coconut oil really have moisturizing benefits? My concern is about oily breakouts.
Coconut oil consists of medium chain triglycerides which are saturated fats. It works like any oil-containing moisturizer and traps water in the skin creating a hydrating effect. Many people like the fragrance ... continue reading about I have dry skin and have read that using coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer for my face and body. Does coconut oil really have moisturizing benefits? My concern is about oily breakouts.
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard about laser skin treatments for collagen rejuvenation. Can you tell me how it works and how many treatments I'll need? Also, does the treatment hurt and what can I expect afterwards?
There are two basic types of cosmetic laser treatments that offer skin rejuvenation. There are classified as ablative and non-ablative. The most effective for wrinkle removal and collagen regeneration is the CO... continue reading about I've heard about laser skin treatments for collagen rejuvenation. Can you tell me how it works and how many treatments I'll need? Also, does the treatment hurt and what can I expect afterwards?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm female (58) who was raised at a high altitude and has a fair complexion. I have sunburned many times. My family has a history of melanoma. The skin on my face has darkened in blotches and I'm worried.
Although it does not sound like you have an immediate concern, anyone with a strong family history of melanoma should be checked by a dermatologist for a full body skin examination at least yearly. It is import... continue reading about I'm female (58) who was raised at a high altitude and has a fair complexion. I have sunburned many times. My family has a history of melanoma. The skin on my face has darkened in blotches and I'm worried.
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