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SPRING 2008 / VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 8 / WEEK OF JUNE 9, 2008

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10 Beauty Problems You'd Rather Not Speak Of

Take heart that you are not alone in your embarrassing hair growth, acne a bit farther south than your forehead, and cold sores. Many women deal with decidedly un-feminine beauty issues at some point or another. Here's a rundown of the most common, and often embarrassing, beauty problems:

Chin Hair
Chin hairs are coarser than other body hair and tend to grow when your hormones fluctuate, as during pregnancy, perimenopause, or if you are on birth control pills. If you have just a few hairs, go ahead and pluck them individually; however, if you have a patch of them or they become ingrown, consider have electrolysis or laser hair removal treatments. Electrolysis is effective on any hair color and costs up to $40 for a 15-minute session. It can permanently kill the hair follicle with an electrically charged needle, but it takes at least eight months of treatments - weekly at first and decreasing in frequency later on. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and seriously damages, rather than kills, the hair follicle over the course of six sessions, four to six weeks apart. It costs approximately $1,000 to $2,000 for a small area. There is often some re-growth with laser hair removal, although the new hair will be finer and sparser than before.

Unfortunately, chin hairs will probably become more common as we age and our level of testosterone increases.

Nail Fungus
Unsightly fingernail and toenail fungus can be spread by even the best nail salons and by walking around your gym without your flip-flops. To avoid picking up a fungus at your favorite salon, bring your own tools for your manicure and pedicure and be sure to clean them after every use with rubbing alcohol.

If you develop one of the most common nail infections, when the tip of the nail separates from the nail bed, trim the nail down as far as you can, and spray the area with Lamisil, and antifungal medication also used to treat athlete's foot. If the problem persists for more than a month, your doctor can prescribe an oral version of Lamisil or a similar drug.

Another common infection, called pseudomonas, causes a greenish-black stain to grow under your nail. This is actually a bacterial pathogen, not a fungus. To treat it, cut the nail as short as possible and squirt the infected area twice a day with a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. If the discoloration remains after two or three weeks, see a dermatologist.

Dandruff
Oh the horror of little white flakes! Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is a chronic condition, although its cause is unknown. But in most cases, an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo will take care of the flakes. Look for products that contain selenium sulfide (found in Selsun Blue), zinc (found in Head & Shoulders or Neutrogena Triple Moisture Active Soothing Shampoo) or tar (found in Tegrin). Wash daily with the shampoo for a week or two; if you don't see results, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can prescribe a stronger shampoo such as Selseb. If your dandruff migrates to your eyebrows and the creases of your nose and ears, it may be psoriasis and you should see a dermatologist for prescription topical steroids or creams.

Butt Acne
As if face acne wasn't embarrassing enough, butt acne can cause you to crawl under the covers and never emerge. And although it resembles its facial counterpart, butt acne is actually caused by heat, friction, and sweating in clothes that are tight or that don't breathe. Treating your butt acne is just like treating face zits; keep the area clean, wear breathable cotton panties and loose clothing, and apply a benzoyl peroxide lotion. Because peroxide lotions will bleach your clothing, you may want to apply it at night before bed. In the morning, try wiping the acne with salicylic acid pads such as Stridex, Clearasil, or Proactiv Solution. If the acne doesn't show improvement in a few weeks, make an appointment with your dermatologist for a topical antibiotic. When at the gym, try wearing loose-fitting shorts with a thong underneath shorts made of Coolmax or Dri-Fit, which are designed to wick sweat away from your skin.

Plantar Warts
Warts aren't just for wicked witches - even the princess can become infected with these viral infections on the soles of her feet. Plantar warts are spread around pools, spas, public showers and by salon tools and footbaths. To avoid catching warts, always wear flip-flops when walking or standing around in the gym or pool showers or locker room floors, and bring your own tools to the nail salon. To treat plantar warts, have your dermatologist burn, cut, or laser them off.

Cold Sores
Cold sores seem to crop up at the most inopportune time. Stress, a cold, sun exposure, acid peels, or lasers can cause a flare up. The most effective treatment is the prescription medication Valtrex, taken at the first sign of an impending cold sore (usually a tingling sensation). Some people with recurring cold sores take a lower dose of the medication on a daily basis to keep them at bay. To diminish the appearance of a cold sore, dab a little translucent powder on the sore, and then apply a dense, creamy concealer, blending the edges with a small, flat brush.

Nipple Hairs
Contrary to many women's fears, spotting a few nipple hairs does not mean you have too much testosterone in your system and your voice will soon begin to change. The same advice for chin hairs applies to nipple hairs: tweeze individual hairs or go for more high-tech treatments if they frequently become ingrown or inflamed. If the hair is abundant on the nipples or any other unusual place, see your doctor. Unusual hair growth can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition that can affect your fertility and heart health.

Hairy Toes
While toe hair is actually a sign of good nutrition, most of us could do without the public signage. Depending on the amount of hair you have sprouting on your toes, home waxing is probably the best method of hair removal. Make sure your toes are dry and dust on a little baby powder. Then smooth on the wax and pull off the strip. Another option for those who can't stand to let the hair grow the quarter of an inch necessary for waxing is a few swipes with the razor every time you shave.

Body Blackheads
Blackheads that appear on you shoulders, back, chest can be treated with the same over-the-counter acne products you use on your face. But if the usual acne treatment doesn't do the trick, try a chemical peel or extraction by a dermatologist. Accutane is a popular prescription for severe acne; however, never take Accutane during pregnancy. Always be sure to let your dermatologist know you are pregnant before undergoing any procedure or taking any medication.

Mole Hairs
One option for getting rid of mole hairs is to get rid of the mole all together, although the procedure may leave a scar. However, if you are attached to your mole and want to leave it intact, simply tweeze the hair or try electrolysis. Laser treatment will lighten the mole's surrounding pigment, so it's not generally recommended.

 

 

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