Dr. Curtis McElroy

Category: Skin Condition

  • Can Acne in Women be Caused by Testosterone

    When a Grown Woman Has Acne, It May Be Due to Testosterone

    Acne is known as a skin problem that plagues teenagers and some young adults. But acne can be a problem for adult women. When it is, it’s usually due to a hormonal imbalance.

    Women who experience acne are usually found to have too much testosterone production. Every woman has some testosterone. It’s supposed to work in tandem with the estrogen production for various health benefits.

    When this hormone gets off balance is when it begins to cause skin problems like acne. If the testosterone levels a woman has are within level, you’ll never notice any side effects and you shouldn’t have acne breakouts.

    But if your levels are off, and your body is producing too much of this hormone, then that’s when you’ll start to notice. Testosterone causes the skin’s oil glands to step up production.

    As a result of that, you end up with too much oil for the skin. This overproduction of oil will clog your pores and leads to acne outbreaks. The higher the level of testosterone, the more skin problems you’re like to have as well as other health problems.

    Most women with testosterone hormone levels that are abnormal will notice that they’re experiencing symptoms when they have their menstrual cycle, a time when testosterone levels are boosted.

    Because getting acne as a woman is a sign of elevated testosterone, you’ll want to get those levels checked. That’s because of the side effects that can go along with this rise in hormone levels.

    Along with acne, it can cause you to be more irritable. It can cause you to develop traits that are associated with men – such as a sudden growth of facial hair. Some women reported an increase in hair growth on their face, stomach and back.

    But if you have testosterone that causes acne outbreaks, it can also cause you to begin to have male associated hair problems such as a receding hair line or even baldness. It can also boost muscle development and give you features associated with a man such as a deeper tone to your voice.

    A simple blood test can determine if you have a problem with your testosterone levels.
    Two of the most common problems in women that cause a higher level of testosterone are polycystic ovary syndrome and adrenal problems, both of which can be treated. Once any underlying causes are treated, your acne should then clear up.

  • What Is A Fungal Skin Infection?

    What Is A Fungal Skin Infection?

    According to Medical News Today, a fungus is “one of a wide range of living organisms, some of them beneficial to health, others less so.” Members of the group of eukaryotic organisms, fungi exist as molds and microorganisms, yeasts and mushrooms. Fungal skin infections on humans are common, and include yeast infections, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm and other conditions.

    ” Yeast Infections

    Cutaneous Candidiasis is another name for a fungal attack of the skin more commonly known as a yeast infection. The candida fungus creates an itchy, red sometimes scaly rash on the skin. As with most other fungi, candida prefers warm, moist, dark areas. This is why it is usually found in the armpits or around the groin. If you are obese, have diabetes or are taking antibiotics, your risk of a yeast infection is elevated.

    Candida can create diaper rash in infants, and a common yeast infection of the mouth or throat is called oral thrush. The most common yeast infection is found in the vagina, but this type of fungal attack of the skin can occur anywhere on the body. An itching or burning sensation may accompany bumps that resemble pimples, swelling, pain, pus, or infected areas that ooze a thick, clear fluid. Yeast infections of all kinds are effectively treated with medicated creams, suppositories, and in the case of oral thrush, with a lozenge or mouthwash.

    ” Athlete’s Foot

    Tinea Pedis is better known as athlete’s foot. This fungal skin infection got its name because it prefers moist, warm environments, and athletes participating in sports for extended periods of time are prime candidates. Their feet sweat is as they experience physical activity, and since socks and shoes are worn sometimes for hours in many sports, the feet of casual and professional athletes frequently develop this condition.

    Locker rooms, swimming pools and the floors of public restrooms and showers are breeding grounds for Tinea Pedis if not cleaned and sanitized frequently.

    Symptoms include blisters, redness, an itching and burning sensation, and cracking of skin on the feet. The most common athlete’s foot occurs between your toes. Athlete’s foot is easily remedied with antifungal medication which can be purchased over-the-counter. In extreme and rare cases oral drugs may be prescribed.

    ” Jock Itch

    Clinically referred to as Tinea Cruris, the more common name of this fungal skin condition is jock itch. The word jock is another name for athlete, and like athlete’s foot, this infection of the skin is common for those who participate in sports frequently. This fungus prefers warm, moist areas of the body. It causes an itching sensation which is usually a found on the inner thighs, around the genitals and on the buttocks.

    Jock itch shows up as an itchy, red rash and is more frustrating and discomforting than actually being a serious health concern. Flaking, cracking and peeling skin is sometimes present. Similar in behavior and treatment to athlete’s foot, jock itch responds well to antifungal sprays, powders, creams and medications.

    ” Ringworm

    Not a very serious health condition, Tinea Corporis is not a worm at all, but rather a fungal infection. It can show up anywhere on your skin and appears as a red, circular, flat sore. Scaly skin is sometimes present. The exterior of the sore may be raised while the skin in the center looks normal. This condition can be spread through direct contact, and is more effective as a contagion when heat and humidity levels are high. A topical application of antibiotic creams is usually all that is needed to clean up the problem.

  • What Is Psoriasis?

    What Is Psoriasis?

    Psoriasis is a skin condition where the skin cells build up. The cells don’t shed the way they should. This results in raised itchy red or silvery, flaky or scaly dry flakes, that are extremely itchy.

    It is commonly seen on the elbows, knees, wrists and scalp, but can appear anywhere on the body. It is caused by abnormal white blood cells that affect normal skin shedding and results in rapid proliferation of the skin cells.

    Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease, but is believed to be genetically inherited. As of now, there are no cures for psoriasis, but there are medications used to manage and control symptoms of psoriasis.

    Some people will experience remission from psoriasis and have clear skin for months, but this remission doesn’t last long for psoriasis sufferers as it tends to return, especially if medications are stopped.

    There are different manifestations of psoriasis. Mild psoriasis can be very light and may only appear as dryness or minute patches can be seen on the skin. Some people are not even aware they have psoriasis at all.

    There are also instances where psoriasis is so severe that the whole body is covered with red, thick scaly skin and the person visibly appears to be affected with a terrible skin disorder.

    Psoriasis can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or race. Studies have shown that psoriasis symptoms tend to worsen during winter. Stress, infections, and certain medications can also worsen psoriasis symptoms.

    Psoriatic Arthritis

    In some cases, psoriasis can cause tenderness, swelling and pain in the joints, as well as inflammation in the connective tissues. This phenomenon is called psoriatic arthritis. This can result to dactylitis (swelling of the fingers and toes) and spondylitis (affects the hips, spine, and knees).

    Psoriasis Traditional Treatments

    The main treatment for psoriasis are topical treatments, such as lotions, creams, and ointments. Cortisone creams and ointments with salicylic acid are also used to remove the scaling of the skin.

    Pills and immune injections are also administered to boost the immune system as psoriasis is worse among individuals with weakened immune systems.

    Phototherapy is another method used to treat psoriasis by means of ultraviolet light.

     

    Psoriasis Natural Treatments

    Some medications used to manage psoriasis can be harmful and can cause complications especially to individuals with predisposing illnesses.

    Therefore, natural treatments and remedies have been used as a safer way to manage psoriasis. Some of these are:

    ” Moisturization

    Dry, scaly skin is the most common symptom of psoriasis and it’s the dryness that is responsible for the itchiness, so a good moisturizer applied daily all over the body provides your skin the necessary hydration it needs and alleviates itchiness caused by the drying of the skin.

    ” Bathing

    Bathing helps hydrate the skin, but too much bathing can also leave your skin dry. Lukewarm water helps for better moisturization. Use bath oils to further moisturize the skin. Pat the body dry and apply more moisturizer!

    ” Sun Exposure – Not Too Much

    Vitamin D is good for the skin, but excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn and worsen psoriasis. Always apply a sunscreen to sensitive skin and limit your sun exposure to 20 minutes a day, and avoid the midday burn hours.

    ” Quit Smoking

    Studies shows that smoking has negative effects on the skin, so if you have psoriasis, you have another reason not to smoke. Smoking leaves the skin dry and scaly and tends to make psoriasis worse.

    Although psoriasis can have a genetic predisposition, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms of psoriasis.

Copyright @ 2017 DrCurtisMcElroy