ACNE SCARS
Acne scars are the result of pimples that have become inflamed or haven't healed properly. While some women are more prone to scarring because of heredity or skin color, there are precautions you can take to prevent scars and treatments available to significantly reduce their appearance. There are two types of acne scars: pigmented scars, and ice pick scars.
ACNE
Most people develop acne during adolescence. It is most prevalent in those aged 16 to 18 years. Acne usually becomes less of a problem after the age of 25 years, although about 15% of women and 5% of men continue to have acne as adults. Diet has little effect. Acne may cycle with the menses, and it may improve or worsen during pregnancy. Although cosmetics rarely aggravate acne, the traditional advice to avoid greasy preparations seems prudent.
AGEING SKIN
As the body ages, the appearance and characteristics of the skin alter. Ageing is accelerated in those areas exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), a process known as photoaging. This is particularly apparent on the face, and occurs at an early age in fair skinned people who have spent much time outdoors.
BIRTHMARKS
There are two categories of vascular birthmarks. These are hemangiomas, which are the most common tumor of infancy, and vascular malformations. These two categories, while related, are very different. It is very important to know the difference because the treatment is different depending on the lesion type.
BROKEN CAPILLARIES
Broken veins of the face and vascular birth marks can be unsightly and difficult to conceal. Traditional treatment using diathermy or thermolysis systems have been superceded by less painful, safer and more effective light and laser therapies.
BROWN SPOTS
Commonly known as age spots or liver spots, the correct term for a single lesion is benign solar lentigo (plural lentigines). Lentigines are due to accumulated pigment cells (melanocytic hyperplasia) and don't disappear in the winter (though they may fade). It is important to distinguish the benign solar lentigo from an early malignant melanoma the lentigo maligna. If the freckle has arisen recently, is made up of more than one colour or has irregular borders, see your dermatologist for advice.
INGROWN HAIR
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is also known as shaving rash or razor bumps. It is a foreign-body inflammatory reaction surrounding ingrown facial or body hair, which results from shaving. The problem occurs more commonly in people who have curly hair.
MOLES
Moles are common harmless skin lesions. Moles may be flat or protruding. They vary in color from pink flesh tones to dark brown or black. The number of moles a person has depends on genetic factors and on sun exposure; most people have 20-50 of them. Moles begin to grow in infancy but new ones can appear at any age, sometimes in crops. Moles may darken following sun exposure or during pregnancy. During adulthood they often lose their pigmentation, and may disappear in old age.
PIGMENTATION PROBLEMS
Skin discolorations, appear as a blotchy, brownish pigmentation on the face and body. Skin discoloration is especially common in women aged 20-40. It affects the forehead, cheeks and upper lips. It occurs frequently during pregnancy and is more common in dark skins than in fair skins.
ROSACEA
Rosacea is a facial rash that occurs in middle aged men and women. The cause of rosacea is unknown. It affects people mainly in the 30s and 40s, especially those with fair-skin, blue eyes and of Celtic origin. The red spots and pustules are dome-shaped rather than pointed and there are no blackheads, whiteheads, deep cysts, or lumps.
SCARS
There are lots of different causes of scarring - accidents, surgery, skin disease, burns, acne, infection and crime - but not all scars are the same. It is important to realise that no scar can ever be removed completely. All scars are permanent, though they may improve naturally over a period of time. Sometimes it is possible to improve the appearance of a scar by surgical removal or other scar therapies.
SPIDER AND VARICOSE VEINS
Spider veins are small enlarged superficial blood vessels that appear red or blue. They commonly occur on the legs, but frequently occur on the face or elsewhere. Larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins may be raised above the skin surface. They may occur along with spider veins.
STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks present as unsightly red to white areas, which occur commonly on the abdomen, arms, chest, and thighs. The cause of stretch marks is basically unknown but can result from pregnancy, weight gain, trauma and most likely has hormonal influences. In essence, stretch marks represent a dermal scar in which the connective tissue (i.e. collagen and elastin) within the dermis is disrupted.
UNWANTED HAIR
Heredity and hormones determine the amount and distribution of body hair. Women and men of Mediterranean descent tend to have more hair than Nordic or Asian women. Even within an ethnic group, women in some families may tend to have more hair than average.
UNWANTED TATTOO
Decorative tattooing in humans is an ancient art form the origins of which can be traced as far back as the stone and bronze ages. A study conducted in 1991 found that between 9-11% of adult men in the United States have tattoos however greater than 50% regret having them and would seek removal if possible. Unfortunately, at the present time, tattooing remains popular with role models such as athletes and entertainer's, serving as strong impetus for teenagers and young adults seeking tattoos.
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