Skin Problems
Eczema
This is an inflammation of the skin on any part of the body which is accompanied by blisters (they are not pimples) which contain a serum (pus). Itching is often the first sign of eczema. The skin over the inflamed areas peels, flakes, and looks scaly. Unlike acne, it can appear at any age and frequently is found to occur because of an allergy.
Hives
These are bumps that can appear anywhere on the body which resemble mosquito bites without the little sting mark in the center. Hives usually develop rapidly and can be caused by an endless assortment of conditions, including a reaction to certain foods, an allergy to drugs as penicillin, a bee bite, an emotional shock, exposure to extreme heat or cold, etc. Hives itch. Until you can reach the doctor, the itching may be relieved with calamine lotion or a cool bath in water mixed with cornstarch or bicarbonate of soda. If you know you have had an insect bite (especially a bee sting) and swelling occurs in bumps also known as wheals-get medical help as soon as possible. This is especially important when swelling or lumps are on the throat or face.
Warts
The basic cause of warts is a virus and they can be spread from one part of your body to another, Yes, they are known to be contagious. A nail biter or a face feeler with warts on her fingers can get other warts on her lips or around the mouth area and anywhere she often has contact with her fingers. Some people have warts on the soles of their feet, on their throat and neck, even under their armpits. Because warts can multiply and look ugly, a dermatologist should remove them.
Moles
There are raised moles and flat moles, some that are flesh colored and some that are dark brown, and some moles that sprout hair. Never tweeze or shave hair from a mole, but you can safely clip hair off at the base with manicure scissors. Naturally, if the moles are on the face and detract from one's appearance, a dermatologist should be consulted to determine whether they can or should be removed. It is impossible to conceal dark, raised moles satisfactorily with makeup. Doctors remove moles with an electric needle or by surgical excision. Generally there is no scar or merely a tiny one.
Age Spots
Also known as liver spots-but having absolutely nothing to do with the liver-these brown freckles are caused by pigmentation changes associated with aging. They can appear on the backs of the hands, on the forearms and sometimes on the face of the truly elderly. These spots are cosmetically annoying to women, especially when they feel and look much younger than their birthdays. Cosmetics won't conceal them, but a dermatologist can erase them with his electric needle.
Psoriasis
This chronic skin disease is characterized by scaly skin. It often is referred to as an ailment of healthy people, because the condition affects both sexes, at any age, and does not affect their physical condition. It is however, a demoralizing problem for anyone who has it, particular: on the face and hands. There have been endless attempts made to cure this skin condition, but doctors still do not know what causes it. They treat it internally and externally to control and hopefully to counteract it. Psoriasis is not contagious, and affects only those with white skin. Although reports have claimed that millions of people have it, few people know what it looks like because those who have psoriasis try whenever possible, to conceal it with clothing or cosmetics. The raised patches may be irregularly or symmetrically shaped, small or large in size. Generally, the areas affected are the scalp, behind the ears, at the hairline, in the eyebrows, and on the knees and elbows, although it can appear anywhere. Beneath the white or silvery scaly skin on top of the patch, the skin is very red. After the removal of the crust, it may take six to eight hours or less for new scales to appear. Any girl or woman with psoriasis should strictly adhere to the advice of her doctor for the control of this unfortunate skin problem. It should also be mentioned that a person may have psoriasis just on the fingers and the fingernails and toe nails. The nails seem to develop ridges or pits and they may crumble. Seek medical help for this and any other abnormal condition of your skin or body in general.
Freckles
Stay out of the sun! Exposure to strong sunlight quickly awakens faded freckles. Coat your skin with a sun-screening agent for double protection. Applications of pure lemon juice to bleach the skin offer very little or no improvement. It also is very drying for the complexion. To some people, freckles are considered beauty accessories of the skin. At the beach, on the ski slope, and on campus, out doorsy type girls with freckles seem natural. For formal occasions, and with an elegant hairstyle, freckles are no longer in the "cute" category.