NEWS

All humans have body odor to varying degrees.  It is an unpleasant, strong smell caused by the combination of sweat and bacteria on the skin. Consequently, the industry for products containing fragrance, cleansers, and deodorants as well as antiperspirants is a billion-dollar per year industry. When it comes to body odor, some of the most affected areas that this article focuses on include the armpits and groin as well as the hands and feet.

An itchy scalp is a common problem that can cause frustrating symptoms, such as frequent scratching and discomfort. A variety of things can cause your scalp to itch. These triggers can be broken down into the broad categories of skin diseases of the scalp, allergic reactions to hair care products, and our own actions & hair care practices. The best dermatologists know that the most common causes of itchy scalp is dandruff, and in a more severe form with redness and flaking is referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

Do you have nails that are thick and difficult to trim? Do they have white or yellow discoloration? 

If the answer to either of those questions is,’ yes’ then it is possible you have nail fungus. Nail fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are extremely common. As people age, the odds steadily increase that a person will have fungus infection in one or more fingernails or toenails.

Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common fungal infection that we see frequently in our clinics at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, especially in the summertime. The condition is caused by a type of fungus and involves an overgrowth of a yeast organism (Malassezia type) on the skin, which disrupts pigment production temporarily. Tinea versicolor that develops in people with dark skin may result in the loss of skin color, known as hypopigmentation. Depending on the person, skin may appear lighter or darker. This skin infection occurs frequently in teens and young adults, as well as those with weakened immune systems, on the torso, neck, and/or the arms. Though it is very common, the good news is that it is harmless. A common misconception is that it can affect the face when in reality it essentially never shows up in that area.

On two consecutive days in my dermatology clinic, I met two sets of married couples. They came in for full-body skin examinations. In both cases, the patient’s wife had concerns about a spot on her husband’s skin. She was the one who made the appointments. Without her efforts, the man would likely have never sought dermatology care.

These types of situations are nothing unusual in dermatology. Daily in all our clinics at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands we see loved ones who have appointments together, frequently for skin checks or specific areas of concern. In most of those cases, one of the individuals is particularly concerned about the other. And as I pointed out, without this concern and the effort, it is very likely the appointments never would have been made.