SKIN AND HAIR

 Spotting skin cancer

Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of the three types of skin cancer. Even melanoma, the deadliest form, can usually be successfully treated if caught early. And remember, no matter what your age, minimizing your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light will help reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

• Melanoma

Although melanoma can occur in normal skin, it often develops in a pre-existing mole or other dark spot. Examine your moles and look for these ABCDs:

 Asymmetry. One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half. 

Border irregularity. The edges are often ragged, notched, blurred or irregular, and the pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.

 Color. The mole may have shades of black, brown and tan, or areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue.

 Diameter. Melanomas are typically larger than a pencil eraser, although early melanomas may be smaller.

 Also look for changes in the surface of a mole, scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a bump, spread of pigment from the border into the surrounding skin, itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

This may appear as a small, raised, smooth, shiny or pearly bump that’s whitish to pink in color. Over time, it may crust, ulcerate and bleed. BCC is slow growing and rarely invades internal organs, but it can spread to nearby tissues if left untreated.

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Most often this type of skin cancer appears as a raised, scaly, crusty or wart-like bump, ranging in size from a pea to a chestnut. SCC can spread internally if left untreated. 

Guarding against dry skin

With age, oil glands become less active. Your skin is less able to replenish the oils and fluids removed by soap and water. To guard against the drying effects of bathing, try these tips:

• Limit frequency

Bathing once a day or every other day is sufficient for most people. 

• Limit time and temperature

Use warm (not hot) water for a maximum of 15 minutes.

• Select soaps carefully

Choose superfatted, nonsudsing soaps that clean without removing natural oil. This includes brands such as Basis, Purpose and others. Soap substitutes in bar, gel and liquid forms are less drying than are deodorant and antibacterial soaps.

• Limit use of soap

Limit use of soap to your face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet. Using clear water on the other areas of your body cleans adequately most of the time.

• Pat dry, don’t rub

When toweling dry, pat your skin gently. Or brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands.

• Seal in moisture

While still damp, lubricate your skin with an oil or cream, especially on your legs, arms, back and sides. A heavy moisturizer (water-in-oil formula) is longer lasting than a light cream that contains more water than oil (oil-in-water formula).

Controlling dandruff

Try these suggestions to control common dandruff:

• Shampoo regularly

Start with a mild, nonmedicated shampoo. Gently massage your scalp to loosen flakes. Rinse thoroughly.  

• Use medicated shampoo for stubborn cases

Look for those containing pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, coal tar or selenium sulfide in brands such as Denorex, Head &Shoulders, Neutrogena T/Gel, Selsun Blue or Tegrin. For best results, use a dandruff shampoo each time you shampoo.

• Use tar-based shampoos carefully

These shampoos are strong dandruff deterrents, but they can leave a brownish stain on light-colored or gray hair. They can also make your scalp more sensitive to the sun. Check the label for ingredients.

• Treat your hair gently

Dandruff shampoos can be harsh on your hair and scalp. Use a conditioner regularly. For mild cases of dandruff, alternate dandruff shampoo with your regular shampoo.

• See a dermatologist

If dandruff persists or if your scalp becomes irritated or severely itchy, you may need a prescription shampoo. An antifungal cream called ketoconazole (Nizoral) often works against dandruff and is available as a shampoo.