Skin and Hair Archive

Q. I have itching near my vagina, which my doctor says is due to lichen sclerosus. What can you tell me about this condition?

A. In women, lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin condition that most often occurs around the vulva and anus. It causes the skin in these areas to become thin, whitened, and sometimes wrinkled. Many women have itching or a dull ache, while others have no symptoms.

Your next tennis match or swim may help prevent this skin condition.

Psoriasis, the autoimmune disease characterized by patches of irritated, flaky skin on the elbows, knees, and trunk. A study from Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that vigorous exercise may help reduce the risk of psoriasis in women by 25 to 30%. "Inflammation is associated with the risk of psoriasis, and people who exercise vigorously may have less inflammation in their bodies," explains Dr. Abrar Qureshi, associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and the lead author of the study.

Why an oil-based ointment is best for dry skin.

Dry skin becomes more common with aging, and problems with dry skin can be even more pronounced during the winter. "The air is dry inside because of heating, and outside because of a lack of humidity, and that takes moisture out of your skin," explains Dr. Kenneth Arndt, a Harvard Medical School professor. Dry skin can lead to itching, flaking, and even infection in severe cases.

Q. My skin is always very dry and itchy. What is the best treatment? Could it be something other than just dry skin?

A. Dry skin is a common problem, especially in areas with cold winters and dry indoor heat. Typical signs of dry skin are surface roughness with itching and cracking of the skin. It is more common with aging, since skin loses its elasticity and ability to hold moisture over time. In addition, frequent showers and hand washing can cause dry skin.

A topical supplement may help your treatment.

Fighting psoriasis, a condition characterized by patches of irritated, flaky skin that usually appear on the elbows and knees and across the trunk, is difficult throughout the year, especially in winter. New research may help explain why. Scientists in Italy found that people with psoriasis also suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

"We speculated that vitamin D might be low in psoriasis patients, but this is the first good study that substantiates it," says Dr. Suzanne Olbricht, an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

It's not too late to protect your skin from the sun, and even reverse the damage that's already been done.

When we were young, our "sun protection" consisted of splashing on a layer of baby oil. Tans were considered the mark of good health, and the darker we got, the better.

Q. Brown age spot on my face seems to be getting larger. Should I be concerned?

A. A brown-colored spot anywhere on the skin that's getting larger is always something to be concerned about. Most brown spots on the skin turn out to be nothing serious, but some are melanoma—a potentially fatal skin cancer. There are certain danger signs that increase the possibility that a brown spot is melanoma. It's called the ABCDE rule.

A Harvard expert says most people don't use enough.

If your summer reading list usually includes mysteries and the latest bestsellers, think about adding this selection: the label on your next bottle of sunscreen.

Minimize the chance of melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, with smart sun protection habits and regular checks for worrisome moles.

Have you had a bit too much sun for your own good? Decades of boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, and just plain drowsing on the deck contribute to your lifetime exposure and risk of developing skin cancer. But there are simple steps you can take now to reduce your risk and catch worrisome skin blemishes before they turn into a threat—particularly malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Q. I like to look tanned, but I'm somewhat fair-skinned and can't be in the sun much. Are self-tanning lotions and sprays a good idea? Are they safe?

A. Sunless tanning sprays and lotions can make your skin look tanned without exposing it to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When you sunbathe, UV rays cause the skin to increase its production of the protective pigment melanin, which manifests itself as a tan. Despite its association with good health and good looks, a tan is actually a sign of skin cell damage, which can increase the risk for skin cancer and accelerate skin aging. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends self-tanning products as an alternative to tanning in UV light from the sun or an indoor tanning bed.