How can you recognize different skin problems. What are the most prevalent skin conditions and their symptoms. How do various factors like age and skin type affect skin health. What are the latest technological advancements in skin condition diagnosis.

Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Skin Conditions

Skin conditions are incredibly common, affecting millions of people worldwide. They can range from mild annoyances to severe, life-altering disorders. Understanding the prevalence and impact of these conditions is crucial for promoting better skin health awareness and improving diagnostic capabilities.

According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in 4 Americans experiences a skin condition at any given time. This high prevalence underscores the importance of accessible and accurate information about skin health. Moreover, the global burden of skin diseases is significant, with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne affecting people across all age groups and ethnicities.

The Economic and Psychological Impact of Skin Conditions

Beyond the physical discomfort, skin conditions can have profound economic and psychological effects. Treatment costs for chronic skin diseases can be substantial, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems and individuals. Additionally, visible skin conditions often lead to decreased self-esteem, social anxiety, and even depression in some cases.

• Direct healthcare costs for skin conditions in the US exceed $75 billion annually
• Up to 30% of dermatology patients may experience psychiatric comorbidities
• Workplace productivity losses due to skin conditions are estimated at over $2 billion per year

Google’s AI-Powered Skin Condition Identification Tool

In a groundbreaking move, Google has announced the development of a web-based tool that utilizes artificial intelligence to help identify skin, hair, and nail conditions. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between the high prevalence of skin issues and the global shortage of dermatologists.

The tool works by allowing users to upload three images of the affected area using their smartphone camera. Users then answer a series of questions about their skin type and symptoms. Based on this input, the AI system provides a list of possible conditions from a database of 288 recognized skin issues.

Key Features of Google’s Skin Condition Tool

• Utilizes advanced AI and machine learning algorithms
• Trained on millions of images of skin problems
• Takes into account factors like age, skin type, sex, and race
• Achieves 84% accuracy in identifying the correct condition within the top three suggestions
• Includes the correct condition as a possible issue 97% of the time

Is Google’s tool intended to replace dermatologists? No, the company emphasizes that the tool is not meant to diagnose conditions but rather to provide information and guide users toward seeking appropriate medical care when necessary.

Common Skin Conditions and Their Characteristics

Understanding the most prevalent skin conditions and their symptoms is essential for early identification and treatment. Let’s explore some of the most common skin issues people encounter:

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often appears as red, scaly patches and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, allergens, and changes in temperature or humidity.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in thick, silvery scales and red, inflamed patches. It can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, elbows, and knees.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or deeper cysts and nodules.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps. It can be triggered by various factors, including spicy foods, alcohol, and temperature changes.

Factors Influencing Skin Health and Condition Development

Numerous factors can influence skin health and contribute to the development of various skin conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial for both prevention and effective treatment.

Genetic Predisposition

Many skin conditions have a genetic component, meaning that individuals with a family history of certain skin issues may be more likely to develop them. For example, conditions like eczema and psoriasis often run in families.

Environmental Factors

The environment plays a significant role in skin health. Exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and extreme temperatures can all impact the skin’s condition and contribute to the development of various issues.

Lifestyle Choices

Diet, stress levels, sleep patterns, and personal hygiene habits all influence skin health. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, adequate hydration, stress management, and proper skincare routines can help maintain healthy skin.

Age and Hormonal Changes

As we age, our skin undergoes numerous changes, becoming thinner, less elastic, and more prone to certain conditions. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also significantly impact skin health.

Advancements in Skin Condition Diagnosis and Treatment

The field of dermatology is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments emerging to improve the diagnosis and management of skin conditions. Some recent advancements include:

Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology

Beyond Google’s tool, AI is being increasingly used in dermatology to assist in the diagnosis of skin cancers and other conditions. Machine learning algorithms can analyze images of skin lesions with high accuracy, potentially improving early detection rates.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Advances in genetic testing and biomarker analysis are enabling more personalized treatment approaches for skin conditions. This allows dermatologists to tailor therapies to individual patients based on their specific genetic makeup and disease characteristics.

Innovative Therapies

New treatments, such as biologics for psoriasis and eczema, are revolutionizing the management of chronic skin conditions. These targeted therapies can provide significant relief for patients who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments.

The Importance of Professional Dermatological Care

While tools like Google’s AI-powered system can provide valuable information, they are not substitutes for professional medical care. Dermatologists play a crucial role in accurately diagnosing and treating skin conditions, particularly those that may be indicative of more serious underlying health issues.

When to Seek Professional Help

When should you consult a dermatologist? It’s advisable to seek professional help if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening skin symptoms
• Sudden or unexplained changes in skin appearance
• Skin lesions that change in size, shape, or color
• Skin conditions that significantly impact your quality of life
• Symptoms that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments

The Role of Regular Skin Check-ups

Regular skin examinations by a dermatologist can help detect potential issues early, including skin cancers. These check-ups are particularly important for individuals with a history of skin cancer, those with many moles, or people with a family history of skin conditions.

Promoting Skin Health: Prevention and Self-Care Strategies

While many skin conditions require professional treatment, there are numerous steps individuals can take to promote overall skin health and prevent certain issues from developing or worsening.

Sun Protection

Protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation is crucial for preventing premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. This includes using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.

Proper Skincare Routine

Establishing a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type can help maintain healthy skin. This typically includes cleansing, moisturizing, and using appropriate treatments for specific concerns.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and stress management can all contribute to healthier skin. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can have positive effects on skin health.

Environmental Awareness

Being mindful of environmental factors that can impact skin health, such as pollution and extreme temperatures, can help you take appropriate protective measures.

By combining these self-care strategies with professional dermatological care when needed, individuals can work towards maintaining healthier, more resilient skin. As our understanding of skin conditions and treatment options continues to evolve, the future of dermatological care looks promising, with the potential for more personalized, effective approaches to managing a wide range of skin issues.

Google announces health tool to identify skin conditions

Google’s latest foray into health care is a web tool that uses artificial intelligence to help people identify skin, hair, or nail conditions. The company previewed the tool at I/O today, and it says it hopes to launch a pilot later this year.

People can use their phone’s camera to take three pictures of the problem area — for example, a rash on their arm. They’ll then answer a series of questions about their skin type and other symptoms. The tool then gives a list of possible conditions from a set of 288 that it’s trained to recognize. It’s not intended to diagnose the problem, the company said in a blog post.

The Google tool asks people to take three photos of a skin problem, and then it offers possible conditions.Image: Google

Google decided to tackle skin conditions using artificial intelligence because of their prevalence, says Karen DeSalvo, the chief health officer at Google Health. “People are coming to Google to ask questions about skin conditions. We get about 10 billion annual skin condition queries,” she said in an interview with The Verge. Of course, experts can help people determine if it’s something simple or indicative of a more serious illness, but there’s a shortage of dermatologists all over the world. DeSalvo hopes this tool can help get people accurate information about potential conditions, quickly, without having to spend hours doing their own online research.

The team trained the model on millions of images of skin problems, thousands of images of healthy skin, and 65,000 images from clinical settings. The model takes factors like age, skin type, sex, and race into account when suggesting possible conditions. When it was tested on around 1,000 images of skin problems from a diverse range of patients, Google says it identified the correct condition in the top three suggestions 84 percent of the time. It included the correct condition as one of the possible issues 97 percent of the time.

The new system builds on Google’s past work using artificial intelligence tools to identify skin conditions. The company published the first iteration of its deep learning system in Nature Medicine last spring. That paper showed that the system could identify 26 common skin conditions just as accurately as dermatologists and more accurately than primary care doctors. In April, the company published another study showing that the system could help non-dermatologist physicians diagnose skin conditions more accurately.

Google is also working with a Stanford University research team to test how well the tool works in a health care setting.

The company obtained a Class I medical device mark for the tool in the European Union, designating it as a low-risk medical device. It has not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Related:

Skin Problems Image Gallery | HowStuffWorks

You’ve probably had to deal with some common skin problems before, such as the cold sores pictured above. But some skin conditions are rare and serious. Take a look at different types of skin problems on the next pages.

This man’s hand is affected by vitiligo, or depigmentation of skin. It’s caused by the body’s failure to produce melanin, which gives skin its color.

Christine is a young American college student with albinism. With insufficient melanin, the skin not only looks lighter but lacks natural protection against the sun.

Blisters are pockets of fluid near the surface of the skin. They’re often caused by friction, rubbing and pressure (like when you’re breaking in new shoes). Like blisters, warts can also form on the hands and feet. See a close-up of a wart next.

Common warts are typically found on the back of the hand, around fingernails and on the fingers. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). One easy way to reduce your chances of developing common warts is by cleaning cuts or scratches on your skin.

Filiform warts are also caused by HPV and have skin-colored fingerlike projections that most typically form on the face, neck, eyelids and lips.

Do you have an itch that you can’t quite scratch? Or an itch that seems to spread whenever you scratch it? If so, you may have impetigo, a bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores, blisters and an itchy rash.

A rash from poison ivy is a common type of contact dermatitis, which is caused by an allergic reaction.

Hives can be triggered by nuts, shellfish, medications, cold/heat and countless other factors. While most hives will go away on their own, some do not.

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammation of the skin that causes redness in the face and produces small, red, pus-filled bumps or pustules.

Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin infection that can affect the body, scalp, groin and feet. It will most likely be itchy, scaly and have very clear edges. Don’t confuse the next skin condition with ringworm.

Pityriasis rosea is a skin rash that starts off as a single, circular patch of dry, flaky skin. It will usually show up on the back, chest, upper arms or thighs. It’s uncertain what exactly causes the condition, but it’s not a result of a fungus or bacterial infection.

Rhinophyma is a severe skin condition characterized by a red, inflamed and bulbous nose. In people with rhinophyma, the skin on the nose gets thicker, becomes bumpy and may take on a yellowish tone. It is the last stage in the progression of acne rosacea.

Although adults older than age 40 are more likely to have age spots than younger folks, it’s usually sun exposure over many years, rather than aging itself, that’s the primary cause.

Chicken pox is caused by a herpes virus. Symptoms include a blistery rash and fever.

Argyria is a condition in which your skin turns blue-grey. It’s caused by overexposure to silver, and fortunately it is rare and not life-threatening.

Harlequin ichthyosis is a genetic disorder that causes infants to be born with hard, thick skin all over their bodies. This skin abnormality restricts movement, causes dehydration, and makes those affected more susceptible to infection.

Keloids are scars that outgrow the size of the original wound, and they can occur with very minor skin damage.

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, more commonly called Sweet Syndrome, is a disorder that causes fever and tender, lumpy skin. The good news is that it is not contagious. Possible causes of Sweet Syndrome include medication, pregnancy, upper respiratory tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bowen’s Disease occurs when a growth of cancerous cells is confined to the outer layer of the skin. Though not a serious condition, it can progress into squamous cell carcinoma, an invasive skin cancer.

Common Skin Disorders, Diseases, & Conditions

From minor annoyances to deadly diseases, keep an eye out for any changes in your skin that could indicate a common skin disorder.

1. Acne

Fifty-million Americans are affected by acne annually, making it the most common skin condition in the U.S. Acne often appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and upper back. Breakouts occur when pores become clogged and inflamed by oil and dead skin buildup. Acne materializes during puberty and can last well into middle age.

2. Cold Sores

More than half of Americans between the age of 14 and 49 carry the highly contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is the most common cause of cold sores. Cold sores appear as a cluster of blisters on the lip or mouth, are not serious and tend to clear within two weeks. HSV carriers should avoid contact with others during a cold sore breakout.

3. Hives

Hives are a result of an allergic reaction. They often appear as itchy welts on the skin and can be as small as a pen tip or as large as a dinner plate. A hive typically disappears within 24 hours, though a bout can last close to six weeks. Antihistamines and skin creams can be used to ease any itchiness people experience.

4. Rosacea

Approximately 16 million Americans are affected by rosacea. The disease begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than others. Redness, skin dryness and sensitivity, and raised, red bumps can spread beyond the nose and cheek area to the forehead, chin, ears, chest, and back.

5. Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a common disease among children. Eczema is characterized by dry, scaly patches on the skin. It appears on the scalp, forehead, face, cheeks, and hands. Eczema can be long lasting and should be treated with creams and antihistamines to relieve itchiness.

6. Psoriasis

About 7.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis, the most common form being plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis causes the body to generate new skin cells within days. These cells pile on the surface of the skin and create scaly patches. Plaques most often appear on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp.

7. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris appears as tiny bumps on the skin akin to goosebumps or small pimples. The bumps are harmless plugs of dead skin cells, often on the arms and thighs. Treating dry skin helps minimize the appearance of the bumps and eases any itchiness they cause.

8. Melanoma

Melanoma frequently looks like a benign mole on one’s skin but tends to grow at a rapid rate. As the most serious form of skin cancer, it can be deadly if not caught early. On average, one American dies of melanoma each hour. Melanoma is highly treatable if caught early during a screening by your dermatologist.

9. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks parts of the body, including the skin, kidneys, and lungs. Lupus often appears as a widespread rash on the back, thick scaly patch on the face, sore in the mouth or nose or sunburn-like flare-up. Lupus is frequently triggered by sunlight, ultraviolet light, and stress, among other environmental factors.

Comprehensive Health Services at St. Hope Foundation

As your Texas health care provider, St. Hope Foundation provides affordable treatment for both common and complex illnesses. We are here to coordinate your care and address all your questions and concerns. Schedule your next appointment by calling (713) 778-1300 or contacting us online today!



Sources

https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/burden-of-skin-disease

https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-conditions-by-the-numbers

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders#pictures

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/cold-sores

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/hives

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#overview

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/atopic-dermatitis

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis/what-is-psoriasis

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/bumps-and-growths/keratosis-pilaris#overview

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/melanoma#overview

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lupus-and-your-skin#causes

4 Most Common Skin Problems

Published on March 26, 2018

Acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are the four most common types of skin disorders outside of various skin cancers that affect people. Thanks to modern technology, most patients no longer have to suffer from the irritating and sometimes disfiguring forms of these conditions. These are the most common skin problems we see at Kessel Dermatology:

Acne

Appearing most often on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back, acne is caused by clogged oil glands in the skin’s pores. nodular and cystic acne are the most severe, forming deep in the skin and often causing scarring. Heredity is sometimes a factor, as well as lifestyle and diet

Eczema

Eczema is not a single condition, but a term that covers a variety of afflictions that include:

• Atopic dermatitis that causes which causes itchy rashes in the elbow and knee joints
• Contact dermatitis, caused by environmental factors such as cosmetic agents, fragrances and the metals in jewelry
• Nummular dermatitis that looks like red, flaky coin-shaped patches

Nummular dermatitis can be the most problematic as affected skin is very dry and needs frequent moisture.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This condition is distinct from other forms of dermatitis in that it produces oily, waxy patches to develop on the scalp. One common form of seborrheic dermatitis is “cradle cap,” the dry scalp condition that affects most babies during the first six months of their lives. Once it disappears, it usually doesn’t reappear until adolescence.

Psoriasis

This buildup of excess skin tissue can become disfiguring in its most severe forms. Patients have red, thick skin that is covered with silvery scales.

These are just the most common types of skin problems. At Kessel Dermatology, we see it all, and you are not alone! If you have one of these conditions or another, contact us today to make your appointment!

Google debuts AI-powered app to help consumers identify common skin conditions

Consumers frequently turn to Google to search for information on skin, hair and nail issues, to the tune of 10 billion search queries each year.

But users only find relevant information online related to a rash on their arm or a mole on their wrist about 13% of the time, according to Peggy Bui, M.D., product manager at Google Health, the tech giant’s health and wellness division.

Google is using its artificial intelligence chops to help consumers, and potentially doctors, better identify dermatologic conditions using just smartphone or digital cameras.

At Google’s annual I/O developer conference Tuesday, the company previewed its AI-powered dermatology assist tool, which is a web-based application. Users upload three well-lit images of the skin, hair or nail concern from different angles. The tool then asks a series of questions about the user’s skin type, how long they’ve had the issue and other symptoms that help the tool narrow down the possibilities.

The AI model analyzes this information and draws from its knowledge of 288 conditions to provide a list of possible matching conditions, according to Bui.

For each matching condition, the tool will show dermatologist-reviewed information and answers to commonly asked questions, along with similar matching images from the web. Users can either save their results, delete them or donate them to Google’s research efforts.

RELATED: Google moves further into health and wellness monitoring with updated Nest Hub that tracks sleep

Users’ data are stored securely and encrypted in transit and at rest, Bui said. “Google doesn’t use the data to target ads,” she said.

It marks Google’s first consumer-facing medical device, but the company is currently not seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the technology, Bui said.

“This is currently not a clear-cut path for this technology” to receive FDA approval, she said.

The goal is to give users access to authoritative information so they can make a more informed decision about their next step, said Bui.

Bui, a physician, said many patients wait too long to see a doctor for a dermatologic condition. Bui said one of her patients detected a mole on her toe but felt fine and waited to get care before seeing a doctor who did not have expertise in dermatology.

“This patient lived two hours from the nearest dermatologist. So she drove two hours, got a skin biopsy and the mole biopsy came back as melanoma,” she said. “Skin diseases are an enormous global burden, and every day millions of people turn to Google to research their skin conditions.”

Two billion people worldwide suffer from dermatologic issues, but there’s a global shortage of specialists. While many people’s first step involves going to a Google search bar, it can be difficult to describe what you’re seeing on your skin through words alone.

It took three years of machine learning research and product development to build the AI-powered dermatologist assistant, according to Yuan Liu, Ph.D., technical lead on the project.

To date, Google has published several peer-reviewed papers that validate the AI model and more are in the works, according to a blog post.

In a study published in Nature last year, the AI system was shown to be as good as a dermatologist at identifying 26 skin conditions, and more accurate than the primary care physicians and nurses in the study.

A recent paper published in JAMA Network Open demonstrated that Google Health’s AI tool may help clinicians diagnose skin conditions more accurately in primary care practices, where most skin diseases are initially evaluated.

The new search tool will launch later this year in markets outside the U.S. Recently, the AI model that powers the tool passed clinical validation, and the tool has been CE marked as a Class I medical device in the European Union.

Health disparities can make building machine learning models challenging as the data can be biased, Liu said.

With this in mind, the Google Health team built the AI model to account for factors like age, sex, race and skin types—from pale skin that does not tan to brown skin that rarely burns, according to the blog post.

RELATED: Google expands into health tracking using smartphone cameras to monitor heart, respiratory rates

“We developed and fine-tuned our model with de-identified data encompassing around 65,000 images and case data of diagnosed skin conditions, millions of curated skin concern images and thousands of examples of healthy skin—all across different demographics,” Liu and Bui wrote in the post.

The tech giant has been pushing further into using AI technology for health and wellness. Google and sister company Verily worked together to develop a machine learning-enabled screening tool for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of preventable blindness in adults.

More recently, Google moved into health tracking using smartphone cameras to monitor heart and respiratory rates. Google Health added new features to its Google Fit app that enables users to take their pulse just by using their smartphone’s camera.

And the tech giant has shown an interest in sleep health as its second-generation Nest Hub includes a sleep sensing feature that uses radar-based sleep tracking in addition to an algorithm for cough and snore detection. It marked Google’s first foray into the health and wellness space with its smart display products.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Celiac Disease Rash) Photos

Dermatitis Herpetiformis on the Hands

BallenaBlanca / Creative Commons

It’s somewhat unusual to see dermatitis herpetiformis on someone’s hands, but the rash can occur anywhere on the body.

Dermatitis herpetiformis may be more common in men (unlike celiac disease, which is diagnosed more often in women). In fact, some studies show a male-to-female ratio of up to two-to-one in dermatitis herpetiformis patients.

There’s been comparably little research done on the health risks associated with dermatitis herpetiformis, but one study does show a risk of thinning bones that’s comparable with the risk faced by those with celiac disease.

Another study found an increased risk for thyroid disease in those with dermatitis herpetiformis. This shouldn’t be surprising since celiac disease and thyroid disease often are found together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to develop a rash after you eat gluten?

Breakouts can occur within hours or days after eating gluten if you have celiac disease. If you have a wheat allergy, a rash might begin within two hours of eating.

Can I get a gluten rash if I don’t have celiac disease?

Yes. If you’re allergic to gluten (which is different than having celiac disease), you may develop an allergic rash.

Does celiac disease affect your eyes?

Possibly. In rare instances, celiac seems to affect different senses and could cause ophthalmic complications. These may result from people with celiac absorbing too little vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium, or they may be due to related autoimmune disorders.

A Word From Verywell

Controlling your dermatitis herpetiformis through the gluten-free diet can be surprisingly difficult (you actually have to be significantly stricter to avoid skin symptoms than you do to avoid digestive symptoms from gluten). Anecdotally, those who have done it say it’s worth it to eliminate the constant itching.

If you can get your rash under control and into remission, any future outbreaks should be less severe (and eventually, not even particularly noticeable).

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Rashes Can Look Very Different On Different Shades Of Skin : Shots

When Ellen Buchanan Weiss’ son was about a year old, he broke out in a rash — little bumps that appeared to be hives. So Buchanan Weiss did what a lot of new parents do: She turned to the Internet to find images that matched the rash she was seeing on her little boy.

“I’m trying to figure out — would I be paranoid if I went to the doctor at this point? Is that a reasonable thing to do? So I started googling it,” says Buchanan Weiss, who lives with her family in Raleigh, N.C.

But her son has brown skin, and as she scrolled through the photos that came up, she couldn’t find any images of rashes that matched her child’s — there were none on people of color. Even when she looked at the usually reliable webpages of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, or the Mayo Clinic’s, she faced the same problem.

“It became immediately clear to me,” she says, “that the vast majority of even common skin conditions are on white skin. You have to scroll down like 80 pictures to find a single one on brown skin.”

Dr. Lynn McKinley-Grant, a dermatology professor at Howard University and president of the Skin of Color Society, says that’s not just a problem with websites aimed at patients.

“Often in medical schools,” she says, “they have limited pictures of diseases in skin of people of color.” That means health professionals trained with these resources aren’t seeing the full picture, McKinley-Grant says. The diversity gap is embedded in medical training, and that should concern us all.

Medical school classes rely on a lot of pattern recognition — especially when it comes to dermatology, explains Dr. Art Papier, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in New York. “You see picture after picture, to encode them into your brain,” he says.

“You take these residents — they look at thousands of cases. And you’re training them to see the skin, classify what they see.”

In 2006, Papier and his colleague, Dr. Tobechi Ebede, published an analysis of major textbooks and other educational and training resources in dermatology and found photographs of darker skin to be sparse. Until recently, Papier says, “examples in people of color were limited to diseases that were more common in people of color.”

But rashes, just as one example, are problems for people of all colors, and they don’t always look red on dark skin. They can look kind of purple or may barely show up at all. And when doctors haven’t seen examples on darker skin, they may not be able to give an accurate diagnosis.

As a practicing dermatologist, McKinley-Grant has seen this firsthand. “I’ve had patients who have said they go in and they tell the doctor that they have redness. And the doctor can’t see it. They’re like, ‘Well, there’s nothing there. Just put some lotion on and go home.’ “

McKinley-Grant says schools are now making an effort to diversify training materials. But they’ve still got quite a ways to go.

And this problem could get even worse. Dr. Roxana Daneshjou is a dermatology resident at Stanford University. For her doctorate work, she’s looking at the use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis.

“If we don’t fix the biases we have in health care before we jump to training a computer to do it, we’re just going to actually perpetuate those biases,” explains Daneshjou.

The computer learns the same way students do — Daneshjou and her team feed it image after image to create a tool that can help it, and doctors, recognize patterns. And when there aren’t images of darker skin in its database, the algorithm — like a doctor — won’t be as good at diagnosing people of color. That’s true whether the origin of the skin problem is an allergic reaction, Lyme disease or cancer.

“So addressing bias and improving diversity are not tangential issues,” stresses Daneshjou. “They’re actually central to providing equitable health care.”

This lack of diversity in training tools is a problem that people are still struggling with at the very foundation of medical training. LaShyra Nolen, a first-year student at Harvard Medical School, says the issue came up last month in her microbiology class when she and her classmates were shown an image of the classic Lyme disease bull’s-eye rash.

When someone asked how the disease presents on darker skin, the professor struggled to provide an answer, Nolen says.

Traditionally, the standard of medicine — in everything from classroom images to CPR dummies — has been white and male, she says, “and that is just not going to cut it anymore. We have to move and shift and change in the same direction as our population. If not, we’re going to be unable to provide our diverse patient population with the best care that they deserve.”

So how do you get more diverse images? Specialized resources aimed specifically at doctors and medical students — including a visual diagnostic guide edited by McKinley-Grant — are moving into the mainstream curriculum.

But people have to seek them out. And they may not even realize what’s missing.

Buchanan Weiss, who couldn’t find pictures that looked like her son two years ago, has since created a resource she hopes will be part of the solution — the answer was right on her phone.

She launched the Instagram account Brown Skin Matters in August, posting photos of various skin conditions on people of color. In just a few months, she has accumulated more than 7,000 followers.

“I expected moms to want this resource,” acknowledges Buchanan Weiss. “But I’ve been surprised by how much of the attention has been from medical professionals.”

All the dermatologists we spoke with stressed that no Instagram account or database should substitute for a medical exam. But it is a resource, they say. And it’s helping raise awareness of the problem. Which is one of the first steps to making sure that the picture of future medicine looks a little different — and more realistic.

Problem Skin Care | Official site Johnson & Johnson

The dream of perfect appearance does not leave every person. One of the most important indicators of good appearance is precisely healthy, radiant skin without blackheads and blackheads. Even true natural beauty can be spoiled by oily sheen, flaking, acne, uneven complexion and other imperfections. Fortunately, today the reasons for the appearance of these defects are known and many methods and means have been found to care for problem skin.

What is problem skin

For a number of reasons, problem skin has various kinds of defects: age spots, rashes, scars, acne, spider veins, etc. Such deficiencies occur both in adolescents and in adults under a certain set of circumstances, for example, with hormonal changes or stress. Skin problems can be both temporary and prolonged, and in the latter case, imperfections are more difficult to treat.

Problem skin types

In most cases, the presence of skin problems is determined by its type.Depending on it, face and body care products are selected, and, if necessary, serious methods of treatment.

Oily skin type. Problems in this case are manifested in the form of a greasy shine, enlarged pores, insufficient blood circulation. Such skin is prone to the formation of acne and oily seborrhea, which is especially susceptible to young people during puberty. But the fat type also has an undeniable advantage: its owners are not threatened with the appearance of premature wrinkles.

Dry Sensitive Type Skin. Dry problem skin is characterized by a lack of sebum (natural protection). In this regard, in the absence of special care, it peels off, a feeling of tightness may appear. The dry type is sensitive to external factors: unfavorable weather conditions and mechanical stress, for example, contact with clothes. As a result of this exposure, rash, irritation and redness can appear on sensitive skin.If hard water is used for washing, then a feeling of discomfort immediately arises on the face. Sensitive skin is very susceptible to cosmetics – certain components from their composition can provoke unwanted effects.

Combined Type Leather . If dry sensitive, normal and oily areas are isolated on the skin, then it is called combined. This type is more common in women than in men. As a rule, excess sebum is present in the central or T-zone of the face (on the forehead, nose and chin).On the cheeks, around the eyes, and on the neck, the skin is usually normal or dry. This type requires special care and treatment, taking into account the characteristics of each zone.

Other causes of problem skin

Skin problems can be caused not only by its type, but also by a number of other factors. These include improper functioning of the digestive system and the endocrine system, inadequate hygiene of the face and body, stress, lack of proper rest, exposure to bad habits, and more. Sometimes the cause of skin diseases is heredity.In case of serious problems, the independent choice of products for the care of problem skin of the face and the method of treatment can harm health and beauty. In these cases, the help of a qualified cosmetologist and dermatologist is needed.

Problem skin care

To properly care for problem skin, you need to know several important rules.

Number purges at day . The face must be cleaned every day, regardless of whether makeup has been applied.Daily washing should be done 2 times (morning and evening). With more cleanses, there is a risk of excessive removal of sebum. This will irritate sensitive skin even more, and oily skin will increasingly appear greasy. Such care for problem skin will only aggravate the situation.

Select means . For daily care, it is best to choose cleansers that are designed to solve a specific problem. You can also purchase a special brush that applies gel or foam.The villi of the brush should be soft so as not to injure the skin. Rinse off cleansers with water, the temperature of which is close to the temperature of the human body.

Use Towels . In order to properly care for your face and avoid treatment of problem skin of the face, you must not only wash your face thoroughly, but also use a towel correctly. You should not rub your face, just blot off excess moisture. Special cosmetics can be applied only 10 minutes after this procedure.

Cosmetic cleaning . It must be remembered that acne treatment has nothing to do with squeezing pimples. Skin cleansing should only be performed by a professional dermatologist cosmetologist. Deep cleansing can be done on your own using exfoliating products that are used no more than 1-2 times a week.

Problem skin care with CLEAN & CLEAR

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In the CLEAN & CLEAR ^® product line, a special line of products has been developed for problem skin.Fight every imperfection of oily, dry and sensitive skin more effectively with the use of lotions, cleansing gels and targeted emulsions. Treating problem skin with CLEAN & CLEAR ^® is based on the use of ingredients that help to normalize the fat balance and properly cleanse the skin. Daily use of these products allows you to take control of your skin condition.

Freezing game: How to take care of your skin in winter

What problems threaten my skin in winter and how to deal with them?

To the glory of the housing office, our batteries have been working at full capacity since the end of September.This leads to excessively dry air at home, and as a result, dry skin. The recommended humidity at home is 40-50%, and if there are children, then 50% or more, while the temperature regime should be in the range of + 20 … + 22 ° C.

It’s also quite dry outside, besides it’s frosty. In combination, this creates a number of problems for the skin: seizures appear on the lips, manifestations of cold dermatitis are noticeable on the hands, and seborrheic dermatitis or, in a simple way, dandruff on the head. Therefore, in winter, moisture and nutrition are especially important.The first provides sufficient turgor, allows the skin to remove toxins, produce collagen and regulate the sebaceous glands, and the second maintains the barrier function of the skin

Does this mean that you need twice as much money for the winter?

Most likely yes. Problems can arise unexpectedly and on different areas of the skin that need to be looked after specifically. This is especially true for the lips and skin around the eyes, where there are no sebaceous glands, therefore, hygienic lipstick and a good nourishing cream will be indispensable helpers in winter.

Doctors are strongly against creams like “Chanterelle” and Vaseline: they, of course, soften the skin, but create an occlusive effect. Due to the blockage of the sebaceous glands, acne is almost guaranteed. The universal winter remedy is necessarily dermatologically tested, not allergenic, not comedogenic. He has a large enough volume – such that it is not a pity to spend on the whole body (ultra-small serums around the eyes are overrated). In the composition, it is worth looking for glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.From red cheeks – a consequence of vasodilation – neuropeptides, vitamin E and ambophenols will save.

The structure of the hair under the influence of low temperatures is also subject to destructive changes, so for the winter you need to additionally choose nourishing masks and conditioners with ceramides. Shampoos with zinc pyrithione and sulfur will come in handy. Try not to overuse cleansing: the sebum on the scalp absorbs dirt, dust and protects against dryness, and constant washing destroys this natural barrier.

Can natural skin care products be used?

It is strictly forbidden to apply food products instead of products with a natural composition. This is always the risk of an allergic reaction, which can appear at any time in a person’s life, even if nothing like this has happened before.

Someone, for example, loves badger fat, but using it increases the risk of infections. The skin does not breathe, inflammation occurs, propionobacteria acne is actively multiplying and the person is sprinkled with acne.An improperly selected natural remedy can create conditions for the attachment of secondary infections, as a result of which abscesses and ulcers appear. Such changes require antibiotics and even hospitalization.

Is winter skin care different for different skin types?

In winter, care is approximately the same for all skin types. People with oily skin may have difficulties in additional care, but you can find a good cleanser in the form of a foam, gel or mousse that will regulate sebum.There is no need to injure the skin with scrubs and other abrasive substances – even an ordinary washcloth promotes flaking, itching and redness of the skin. Never use alcohol-based products.

Dividing care products into small areas of the body is more of a marketing ploy than a necessity. Facial products are generally suitable for the body and vice versa. Of course, the same foot cream is of a denser texture and contains urea with keratolytic properties specifically for exfoliation, but globally its use on other parts will not lead to a crisis.Keep in mind that to slow down photoaging, you will need something with SPF, and all moisturizers should be applied at least half an hour before going out to prevent water molecules from turning into ice. Before a walk, you need special high-density creams with components that retain water – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and so on.

What else do you need to survive the winter without skin problems?

All chronic skin diseases in winter are often exacerbated, so if necessary, schedule a visit to your doctor for additional consultation.A hot shower will have to be reduced to 5-7 minutes and at the same time make it a rule to moisturize the skin with a cream after each contact with water – surprisingly, it also dries. Our skin reacts to disruptions in the functioning of internal organs, so it is important to take vitamin D in the recommended preventive dose, introduce more vegetables and fruits into the diet, and generally eat a balanced diet.

What can become an SOS tool?

In winter, oils are actively gaining popularity. Their pleasant texture, nutritional properties and regenerative effect are indispensable in low temperatures, especially in case of frostbite.Unlike water, oil penetrates the lipid barrier and contains fat-soluble vitamins.

Not every oil is suitable for every skin type due to its comedogenicity (the lowest level is in the mineral oil). It is better not to get the usual olive and sunflower seeds out of the kitchen cabinet. It’s unsafe and most likely won’t even be absorbed. Look for oils tested on artificial skin that contain additives to help the skin: ceramides, antioxidants and vitamin E.Use the product in moderation and do not apply over the cream.

Facial care after cleansing

Facial cleansing is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It allows you to tone the skin, remove dead cells, and end clogged pores, blackheads and acne. But even with the most gentle method, the face is exposed to intense influence – the skin becomes sensitive and cannot fully protect itself from external factors. To recover faster from the procedure and avoid complications, you need to provide proper home care after cleansing your face.

When cleaning is necessary

The skin is constantly renewed, while many dead cells remain on the surface. With age, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, due to diseases or genetics, this process can intensify. When too many keratinized cells accumulate, the face grows dull, flakes, more inflammation occurs, and wrinkles become more noticeable. A visit to a beautician can solve all these problems.

Usually the procedure takes place in several sessions and does not cause much discomfort.After the first visit, the beautician should give detailed recommendations on how to take care of after cleansing your face at home:

• Do not expose your face to chemical and mechanical stress for the first 24 hours;
• Postpone the visit to the sauna, solarium and facial massage until complete rehabilitation;
• Avoid preparations containing alcohol;
• Use mineral water and decoctions of medicinal herbs for washing: chamomile, St. John’s wort, calendula;
• Provide intensive hydration.Creams with aloe, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and other active hydro-components should be used several times during the day;
• Make soothing and moisturizing masks.

In addition to general recommendations, depending on the method chosen, specific care may be required after cleansing the face.

Facial care after mechanical cleaning

The method effectively solves the problem of acne and comedones, but at the same time it is the most traumatic.The beautician manually cleans problem areas by pre-steaming and thoroughly cleansing the skin. The treatment ends with a soothing mask.

The main disadvantages of the procedure are the risk of inflammation and scarring. Therefore, facial skin care after mechanical cleaning should be especially careful. Recovery takes up to 5-7 days. During this period, you should regularly degrease the skin with antiseptic preparations that do not contain alcohol. Soothing compresses can help reduce puffiness.

Care after acid peeling

Cleaning with exfoliants is the main cosmetic trend in recent years.This is the most gentle treatment using high concentration fruit acids. They dissolve dead cells of the stratum corneum and cleanse the pores from the inside – they treat even complex forms of acne and tighten the facial relief. In addition, dry cleaning helps to cope with photoaging: stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, smoothes wrinkles, and removes pigmentation.

Despite the absence of physical damage, specific facial care after cleaning and peeling is still required. AHA and BHA acids increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light – before going outside, you must always apply sunscreen SPF 30 or more.

Care after ultrasonic face cleansing

Another painless and atraumatic technique. Sebum and impurities are removed from the pores using high frequency ultrasonic waves. The skin receives an additional massage and a stimulus for self-rejuvenation – small wrinkles are smoothed out, and collagen and elastin are synthesized more actively. The only drawback is that due to the shallow effect, the procedure is ineffective for skin with serious problems.

Skin care after cleansing your face with ultrasound is reduced to the use of cleansers with a neutral pH, additional cleansing with alcohol-free gels and lotions, as well as moisturizing with face masks.

Care after facial cleansing with a laser

A laser beam of a given frequency penetrates deep into the dermis, completely removing the top problem layer along with comedones, acne and age spots. The procedure has a rejuvenating effect. Recovery takes 3-5 days. At this time, you should limit exposure to the sun, avoid temperature extremes and intensively moisturize the skin.

Care after combined facial cleansing assumes compliance with the principles prescribed for each of the procedures.Until complete recovery, you should abandon decorative cosmetics, do not use products with alcohol, protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation and physical influences.

90,000 First signs of atopic dermatitis | MUSTELA

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin with characteristic itching and dryness. The lesions can be located throughout the body, but most often they are localized on the cheeks, the inner surfaces of the folds of the arms and legs, and the legs.

According to statistics, atopic dermatitis is more common in children than in adults ¹ , and occurs in every fifth child ² . At the same time, the first outbreak of the disease in 95% of cases occurs before the age of 2 years and occurs most acutely during this period ³ .

In part, atopic dermatitis can be considered a hereditary disease:

• In 82% of children, it develops if both parents suffer or suffered from allergies (mainly in the first year of life).
• In 56% – if only one parent suffers or suffered from allergies ⁴ .

Why is atopic dermatitis dangerous? In addition to discomfort for the crumbs (itching, burning), the development of more severe forms and the spread of the inflammatory process, the addition of a secondary infection, and the formation of an atopic march are possible. In 20-43% of cases, bronchial asthma may subsequently develop, twice as often – allergic rhinitis or eczema, which can accompany a person all his life ⁵ .

How to recognize atopic dermatitis in time?

1. Increased dryness of the skin, which can not be dealt with by a regular baby cream.

2. Peeling, redness (especially symmetrical) on the cheeks, legs, in the folds of the arms and legs.

3. Feeling of itching, due to which the baby becomes capricious, does not sleep well.

In babies, foci of inflammation almost always occur during the introduction of complementary foods or in violation of the rules of nutrition on the mother’s side.Most often they can be seen on the face, scalp, extensor surfaces of the limbs. In children over 2 years of age, the elbow and popliteal folds, flexor surfaces of the wrists, eyelids, face, neck, as well as the skin around the eyes and behind the ears are usually affected.

In atopic dermatitis, seasonality is also important: in the autumn-winter period, the skin condition often worsens.

Atopic dermatitis: what to do?

If you notice one or more signs of atopic dermatitis in your baby, do not waste precious time ! Make an appointment with your pediatrician and start using emollients.

Emollients are cosmetic products that moisturize and fatten the skin, i.e. saturate it with lipids. Why is it important? Severe dryness indicates not only that the skin is rapidly losing moisture, but also that it lacks lipids – the main structural components. With the solution of such a problem, an ordinary baby cream may not cope.

Algorithm of actions at the first signs of atopic dermatitis looks like this:

1.Start skin care immediately with emollients , specially formulated for very dry, atopic-prone skin.

2. Contact your pediatrician: he will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, adjust your diet, schedule an examination, and give a referral to an allergist / dermatologist.

Laboratory examinations that may be needed in this case: feces for dysbacteriosis, smears from the throat and nose for microflora, determination of antibodies to antigens of lamblia, roundworms, opisthorchias in blood serum and, in rare cases, an immunogram (i.e.i.e. determination of the level of immunoglobulins).

Be sure to contact a specialist! Only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe the necessary examinations.

1. Bieber, Mechanisms of Disease. Atopic Dermatitis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 358; 14, April 2008. (Bieber, Mechanisms of Disease Atopic Dermatitis. New England Medical Journal, 358; 14, April 2008)

2. Isaac Steering Committee. (1998). Worldwide variation in prevalence of symptoms of asthma.The Lancet, 351, 1225-1235. (International Committee for Research on Asthma and Allergy in Childhood 1998. Worldwide differences in prevalence of asthma symptoms. Journal of the Lancet, 351, 1225-1235)

3.2009 Perceptor study. (2009 Perceptor study)

4. Clinical guidelines Atopic dermatitis in children, 2016

5. Studies Watson W., 2011, Larsen F. S., 2002, Draaisma E., 2015, ISAAC Steering Committee, 1998. (Research Watson V., 2011, Larsen F.S., 2002, Draisma E., 2015 International Committee for Research on Asthma and Allergy in Childhood, 1998)

What will the skin of the face during pregnancy tell?

It is often possible to guess that a woman is expecting a baby even before the appearance of characteristic roundness in the abdomen. It is enough just to look at it: very often the skin of the face changes noticeably in the early stages of pregnancy.

It is often possible to guess that a woman is expecting a baby even before the appearance of the characteristic roundness in the abdomen.It is enough just to look at it: very often the skin of the face changes noticeably in the early stages of pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes occurring in the body. Such changes do not always please the expectant mother, but it is important to understand that they are completely natural.

FACE COLOR AND PIGMENTATION

First of all, you can notice changes in the skin tone of the face during pregnancy. Often too bright blush plays on the cheeks of the expectant mother. This indicates an increased load on the vessels, which is quite natural during the gestation period.If a woman has had freckles before, they may become even more noticeable. Brown-haired women and brunettes often encounter chloasma, popularly known as the mask of pregnant women. In this case, individual areas on the forehead, cheeks, chin, as well as on the bridge of the nose and under the lip darken. Because of this, the skin of the face becomes uneven. Pigmentation of the skin of expectant mothers is completely natural: this is a consequence of an increase in the level of progesterone in the body. But don’t think that such changes will last forever.Even if the skin of the face deteriorates during pregnancy, as a rule, after the birth of the baby, the previous shade gradually returns to it. So it is not necessary to resort to complex procedures to combat pigmentation, it is enough just to be patient.

OTHEKI

Many women who are expecting a baby experience edema. They are especially noticeable on the face. Due to the swelling, it becomes larger and more rounded. Such changes can be expressed to varying degrees. How to determine if swelling has appeared? To do this, gently press on the skin with your finger.If a fossa has formed on it, most likely, we are talking about the presence of edema. In this case, it is important to consult in a timely manner with the doctor leading the pregnancy. The specialist will adjust the diet, as well as prescribe treatment, if necessary.

EXCESSIVE HAIRING

At the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, many women notice that the amount of body hair has increased. Visible hairs can also appear on the face. This is due to the increase in the level of androgens – sex hormones, occurring during this period.To remove facial hair, you can use tweezers, sugar or wax hair removal. At the same time, the use of chemicals to combat unwanted vegetation is not recommended during pregnancy. In fact, it is not at all necessary to remove the hairs that have grown on the face and body: they will disappear by themselves about six months after childbirth.

BELT

Many women complain that perfectly clean skin has deteriorated during pregnancy: pimples have appeared on it. Rashes can be associated with both an allergic reaction and hormonal disorders.When it comes to allergies, a small, well-visible rash usually appears on the skin, which can be accompanied by itching. With hormonal changes associated with an increase in the level of progesterone, the work of the sebaceous glands is activated. As a result, acne may appear on the face of a pregnant woman. Unbalanced nutrition, genetic factors, lack of fresh air contribute to the emergence of such problems. When acne develops, you should consult a dermatologist, be sure to inform the specialist about the ongoing pregnancy.The doctor will select the therapy taking into account the woman’s condition: not all components of medicinal creams, lotions and other products are approved for use during this period.

DOES THE SKIN CONDITION ALWAYS CHANGE INTO THE WORST SIDE?

Do not think that carrying a baby will inevitably lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the expectant mother. It often happens that the skin of the face during pregnancy shines with health and beauty! Hormonal changes can improve cell function and have a rejuvenating effect on the body.In addition, it is in the power of the expectant mother to properly care for the skin to help her maintain elasticity, softness and a healthy tone.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN DURING PREGNANCY

Use suitable cosmetics. During this period, it is especially important to study the composition of cosmetics. To cleanse the skin, it is recommended to use mild products without aggressive ingredients. If rashes appear, the best option is the remedies recommended by the doctor with antiseptic components.You can use cosmetics specially designed for pregnant women.

Protect your skin from the sun. At any time of the year, it is important to apply an SPF cream before going outside. Exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the pigmentation that appears under the influence of hormonal changes.

Choose gentle treatments. Deep peels and traumatic mechanical cleansing of the face are not suitable for pregnant women, because during this period the skin becomes especially sensitive, the pain threshold decreases.

Watch your diet. The menu is recommended to include foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins.

Lead a healthy lifestyle. Regular walks in the fresh air, good sleep, moderate physical activity – all this is good not only for the skin, but also for the health of the child being born.

90,000 Skin diagnostics: modern research and diagnostic methods

Modern methods of skin diagnostics are characterized by non-invasiveness.In modern medicine, in general, there is a tendency towards a transition to non-invasive methods. This can be explained by the desire of both doctors and patients to preserve the integrity of organs, reduce the pain of procedures and the risks of complications. What do doctors use today for research and for correct diagnosis?

Here are several methods of modern non-invasive diagnostics of our skin, which are used in dermatology and cosmetology.

Dermatoscopy
Diagnosis of the skin by an optical method, visualizes the examined area of ​​the skin and magnifies the image 6-40 times.The most commonly used magnification is 10x [5].

There are various instruments for dermatoscopes and their functions depend on the purpose of the study and the financial capabilities of the clinic.

Dermatoscopy is well suited for examining suspicious moles or birthmarks. With a dermatoscope, you can see the smallest deviations from the color, shape, structure of education. This examination of the skin allows you to see details that are not visible to the naked eye. The doctor can examine in detail the neoplasms on the skin, make an assumption about its nature: it is benign, or malignant.

High-quality photographs can be stored on a computer and changes over time can be observed.

Disadvantages: high cost of instruments affects the cost of examinations and procedures.

Confocal microscopy
Allows you to see the physiological processes in the skin and observe their changes over time. How it works: a special microscope is used and a beam of light is aimed at the investigated area. Thanks to this method, you can see the structure of the epidermis and the upper layer of the dermis, analyze the microcirculation.This is a very informative research method, with high resolution: the images are comparable to conventional light microscopy, but a biopsy is not required.

A laser is used for illumination, which passes through the lens and penetrates the skin. The image can be obtained in real time in three dimensions – height, width, depth. The research results are displayed on the monitor and saved as digital files at the doctor’s office [2].
When conducting diagnostic confocal microscopy, a black and white image is obtained, which can only be interpreted correctly by a trained specialist.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
This method uses near-infrared optical radiation to diagnose skin, which does not damage tissue and allows skin to be examined to a depth of 1.5 mm.

Light waves are directed deep into the skin, and on its different layers they are scattered in different ways. The output is high-resolution tomographic images [3]. With the help of OCT, it is possible to analyze the structure, shape of the investigated tissues, etc., that is, the morphology of the skin.It is also possible to study the functional characteristics of the skin using the OCT method. For example, to obtain data on skin hydration at different levels, since the refractive index depends on the presence of water.

The advantages of skin OCT are: deep penetration, visualization of the layers of the epidermis, dermis, skin appendages, differences in the structure of the skin, the ability to track dynamics, receive data in real time and the ability to store and send them.
Disadvantages: the OCT method cannot reliably determine the differences in tumor or inflammatory processes, it is impossible to accurately measure the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, it is impossible to examine the vessels and lymph nodes.The procedure requires high-tech equipment that is not available for widespread use.

Ultrasound examination of the skin (ultrasound)
Modern methods of skin diagnostics include ultrasound. This is a highly accurate non-invasive diagnostic method. Ultrasonic waves are directed at a specific area of ​​tissue to determine its condition and relationship with surrounding structures. The doctor guides the sensor over the area of ​​the skin being examined and receives visualization on the monitor.

Ultrasound examination of the skin allows to differentiate different layers of the skin, to determine their condition, to find tumors, to determine their size and echo structure [4]. Thus, it is possible to assess the thickness and structure of the skin layers, to visualize skin metastases, hematomas. Based on the data of this study, the doctor can give recommendations about the possibly necessary surgical intervention, check the effectiveness of treatment, evaluate the result of a cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery.

This is an affordable method, the necessary equipment is installed in most medical institutions.
Skin ultrasound scanning is safe and relatively inexpensive. Ultrasound data is stored in digital format, which can be used to monitor chronic diseases.
The only drawback is low resolution when using universal sensors. The use of special sensors is recommended.

Methods for assessing the functional state of the skin
Modern non-invasive methods of skin diagnostics are quite diverse.In the study of diseases and cosmetic defects of the skin (acne, rosacea), methods for assessing the functional state of the skin are also often used.

Sebumetry analyzes the activity of the sebaceous glands and helps to investigate the lipid balance of the skin. The test takes place as follows: a special tape is glued to the skin of the face. After a while, it is removed and the optical density of the tape and the fatty spots remaining on it are assessed, the amount of fat per square cm is calculated. This method can be used to test the effectiveness of acne-fighting agents, cleansers for hair and skin [1].
Measurements of skin color parameters can be carried out using mexametry and chromametry [6]. Mexametry is used to analyze melanin in the skin and the degree of erythema. Chromametry evaluates skin color using three numerical characteristics. Thanks to the method, it is possible to analyze the activity of free radical processes in the skin in various pathologies, as well as evaluate the antioxidant effect of cosmetics.

Skin water balance is checked by corneometry. An alternating current of low frequency is passed through the stratum corneum of the epidermis.Then the tissue conductivity is measured, and based on this information, the degree of skin hydration becomes clear. Tevametry evaluates transepidermal water loss (TEWL). With its help, you can measure the amount of evaporated moisture and understand whether evaporation is happening faster than normal.

The vacuum cutometry method evaluates the elasticity of the skin. A device is applied to the skin, which “pulls” the skin inward. With the help of sensors, the degree of skin deformation under the influence of vacuum, the rate of its return to its normal state is assessed.This allows evaluating the effect of anti-aging cosmetics and procedures [1, 6].

Optical profilometry analyzes the surface of the skin, the number of wrinkles, their depth, pore size. Silicone is applied to the skin, then the relief surface of the impression is digitized and a 3D model of the skin surface is obtained. The disadvantages of the method are low accuracy and speed of preparation of the impressions.

Viscometry is an acoustic method that helps to study the location of connective tissue fibers and their condition. The speed of propagation of an acoustic wave is measured, which depends on the characteristics of the skin.Thanks to reviscosimetry, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of cosmetic preparations against skin aging.

In the diagnosis of acne, dermatitis and neurodermatitis, dermatologists are helped by pH-metry of the skin. To measure the acid-base balance, special devices are applied to the skin, and the result is visualized on a computer screen. The test results allow you to choose the medicinal products or cosmetics for your care.

Used literature:
1. Gusev V.G., Mustafin T.N. Measuring devices for assessing the physical properties of human skin // Vestnik USATU.2009. No. 1 (34).
2. Durnova AO, Krylova Yu. S., Panteleev LN, Musikhin SF Confocal laser scanning microscopy – application in pathomorphological studies // Biotechnosphere. 2014. No. 5 (35).
3. Zakharova M.A., Kuroedov A.V. Optical coherence tomography: a technology that has become a reality // RMZh. Clinical ophthalmology. 2015. No. 4.
4. Zubeiko KA, Kurlovich MV, Smyslenova MV, Privalova EG Ultrasound examination of the skin (literature review) // RADIOLOGY – PRACTICE.2014. No. 6 (48).
5. Makarenko LA Non-invasive diagnostics in dermatology // Russian journal of skin and venereal diseases. 2013. No. 2.
6. Potekaev NN, Frigo NV, Novozhilova OL, Kruglova L.S. Modern diagnostic technologies in dermatovenerology (clinical lecture) // Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2018.No. 1., p. 108.

90,000 Signs of skin cancer on the website of the Orenburg hospital

Date added: July 24, 2014

The causes of skin cancer are not well understood.Several factors are known to increase the risk of skin cancer. These factors include:

1. Prolonged exposure to the sun (sun exposure) is the most important risk factor for skin cancer. Typically, skin cancer develops on exposed areas of the body that are exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight.
2. White skin, or skin that is low in melanin, is more likely to develop cancer.Melanin is a dark pigment produced by special skin cells that helps protect the skin from the sun’s rays. White skin with many moles is also extremely susceptible to developing skin cancer.
3. Prolonged skin exposure to X-rays (eg by radiologists).
4. Skin contact with substances that can cause cancer (carcinogens), which include arsenic, tar, etc.
5. Smoking predisposes to lower lip skin cancer.
6. Age over 50 is a risk factor for skin cancer, but the disease occurs at a young age.
7. Frequent tanning beds significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
8. The presence of skin cancer in close relatives.
9. Decreased immunity after severe illness, as well as as a result of taking certain drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, antineoplastic drugs).

Skin melanoma symptoms

The first sign of melanoma is a change in shape, color, size, or an unpleasant sensation at the site of a pre-existing mole.Melanoma also occurs as a new nevus. You should pay attention to all skin changes and monitor the following:

• Asymmetry . A mole has no axis of symmetry.
• Jagged borders . Edges are ragged, jagged or blurred. The pigment can spread to surrounding areas of the skin.
• Uneven color . There are shades of black, brown. White, gray, red, pink, or blue areas are also visible.
• Diameter . The mole increases in size. Melanomas are tiny, but most are larger than a pea (over 6 mm).

• Modification . The mole has changed a lot in the past few weeks or months.

Change in size: an increase in the mole two or more times in 6 months; color change: darkening (to black), lightening, the appearance of enlightenment in the center and simultaneous darkening at the edges, heterogeneous pigmentation; asymmetry of shape; fuzzy borders: in this case, the pigment smoothly merges with the surrounding skin, so that the borders become blurred; pain; ulceration of the mole; hair loss, if any, previously on the mole.

In more serious cases, the surface of the mole itself changes. The skin on the surface may crack or appear scratched. Gets stiff, may bleed. Sometimes melanoma is itchy and painful.

When to see a doctor

Melanoma (malignant neoplasm of the skin)

If you scored 10 points in total, then you need to contact your local doctor to decide on a further examination.

Signs of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma

Skin changes are the most common symptom. They can be a formed growth, an ulcer that does not heal for a long time, or any changes in the structure of an old nevus – the appearance of a carcinoma can be different. As a rule, the tumor does not cause painful sensations.

When to see a doctor

Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma)

If you scored 10 points in total, you need to contact your local doctor to decide on a further examination.

Skin cancer prevention

Everyone who is at risk should seriously take preventive measures and, if possible, exclude provoking factors.

Prevention of any disease consists in, as far as possible, reducing the impact of provoking factors and increasing the number of factors that reduce the risk. The same goes for the prevention of skin cancer.
Since ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, limiting its exposure is the main preventive measure.Of course, you cannot completely protect yourself from sunlight, especially in the warm season, when you want to walk, sunbathe, swim. However, you should know when to stop in everything, and you should take sun baths without fanaticism. Doctors strongly recommend using sunscreen. It is customary to buy such creams from us for a trip to the sea, but this is wrong. Ideally, sunscreen products should be used all year round. Of course, in the cold season, we are only talking about face creams, because other parts of the body are covered with clothes.But in the summer you need to take care of lotions and creams that will protect all exposed skin. When choosing such a product, you should carefully read the label. The protection factor SPF or in Russian SZF, usually ranges from 15 to 50. For darker skin, not prone to burns, you can take a lower protection factor, 15-25. For light, sensitive and baby skin, you need to take a product with a high SPF factor. The label must also contain the inscription: UVA / UVB. This means that the product protects against alpha and beta rays.An important mark on such a tool is water resistance. It is important not only if you are going to swim. When you just walk around the city and sweat, the product is “washed off” from the skin in the same way. However, even if you have purchased a waterproof product with a high degree of protection, this does not mean that it can be applied once and forgotten for the whole day. Every 2-4 hours, depending on the protection factor, you need to apply the product again.
Whenever possible, it is best to wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible from the sun’s rays.Of course, in the heat of summer this is difficult, but try, for example, to wear light trousers instead of short shorts. Don’t forget about hats. A wide-brimmed hat will protect not only the face, but also the ears and neck. Men can wear baseball caps with a visor. In recent years, special sun-protection clothing has become more and more in demand. It is made from fabrics treated with sunscreens.
Sunglasses are not only a tribute to fashion and style. UV protection of the eyes and skin around them is very important.Glasses should not only be stylish and fashionable, but really protect from the sun’s rays.
Avoid exposure to the sun during its most active hours. This time is from 11 am to 4 pm. If you are near the water or outdoors, take care of the shade. Umbrella, awning, tent – this is a prerequisite. Even if the weather is cloudy and the sun is not visible, you can still get burned, since clouds only trap 30% of ultraviolet radiation. This suggests that sunscreen is necessary even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.
For many years now, intense tanning has been considered fashionable. Tanning salons are in demand all year round; many people, especially young girls, love to sunbathe until their skin turns dark. Not everyone understands that tanning beds are bad for the skin. One problem is premature aging, but even that is nothing compared to the risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma. American scientists have proposed to ban tanning beds for young people under the age of 18.
Self-diagnosis and control over the condition of the skin is a prerequisite not only for people at risk, but for everyone in general.We all know

that you can follow all the precautions and still get sick. Therefore, periodically inspect open areas of the body – neck, shoulders, arms, ears, head for any neoplasms on the skin, examine moles, if something alarmed, take the necessary tests. Skin cancer can be prevented if all of the above measures are carried out systematically, persistently and persistently. Make sunscreen your constant companion, teach children to do it and give up tanning “to a crisp” – these are quite feasible and adequate conditions.

Self-examination of the skin

The following recommendations will help make your self-examination faster and more convenient. The best time to look is after showering or bathing. Use 2 mirrors: a full-length and a small one, preferably with a long handle – their combination allows you to see all parts of the body. You will also need a hairbrush / comb or hairdryer to examine the head (they can be used to expose the skin under the scalp). Inspection should be carried out in a well-lit room; you may also need a small flashlight.

Pay attention to:

• new moles (unlike others),
• new red or dark lesions, slightly raised above the skin,
• changing the size, shape, color of a mole,
• wounds that do not heal.

Regular check-ups are especially important for people with risk factors for skin cancer.