Ingrown hairs can be unsightly — and painful — but there are steps you can take to treat and prevent them.

Solving the Problem of Ingrown Hairs

Hair normally grows out of a pore called a follicle. An ingrown hair occurs when the tip of the hair is caught in the follicle, but the hair continues to grow. This can cause inflammation, pain, irritation, and infection in some instances. A technical term you might hear your doctor use for one type of ingrown hair-related condition is diverticulitis barbie, which affects some men in the beard area.

Ingrown hairs are commonly linked to “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps” — irritation that occurs after shaving. People with curly hair who shave often, such as African American men who shave their beard area, are particularly at risk for frequent ingrown hairs. Experts estimate that up to 60 percent of African American men who shave have experienced ingrown hairs. But anyone can have an ingrown hair almost anywhere on the body. Chins, legs, armpits, and bikini lines are all places where ingrown hairs frequently occur in women and men.

Related: Hair Removal Facts

Ingrown Hair: How to Treat and Prevent

Treating ingrown hairs may be the only way to get some relief from the associated pain and aggravation, since most will not go away on their own. You may need to visit your family doctor or dermatologist to have the ingrown hair removed by releasing it from under the skin with a needle. Some aestheticism (beauty experts trained in services including facials and waxing) can do this too. If the ingrown hairs become infected, you might need an antibiotic cream or a prescription antibiotic as well.

Prescription remedies for ingrown hair include glycerol acid creams and cortisone creams, but laser hair removal is the best choice for treating and preventing ingrown hairs, says Heather Foolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center.

Laser Hair Removal and Other Methods of Reducing Ingrown Hair

Laser hair removal helps reduce the number of hairs that can become ingrown. Laser hair removal does not permanently remove hair, but it can provide relief for months and, for some people, years.

The best way to avoid ingrown hairs is to let them grow. However, since not all men want a beard and many women dislike hair on their legs or under their arms, this might not be an option. Since shaving is linked to the development of ingrown hairs, Dr. Foolery-Lloyd advises, "If you have to shave, look for razors [such as electric razors] that are designed to prevent bumps."

When shaving, she says:

• Shave in the direction of hair growth (downward).
• Shave after a warm shower so that it's easier to remove hair from the follicles.
• “Avoid a very close shave. This makes the problem worse.”

Related: Best Ways to Remove Bikini Hair

Other approaches to managing ingrown hairs include:

• Shave less often.
• Do not tug or pull when you shave.
• Avoid shaving the same area repeatedly.
• Use a lubricating shaving gel or prescription shaving foam.
• Use an electric razor, as these are easier on the skin and don’t cut hair as close as a regular razor.
• Try depilatories, or creams that remove hair. Make sure to test on a small patch of skin to find out if you are sensitive to these chemical hair removal systems.

If you still find yourself struggling with ingrown hair, review your ingrown hair removal strategy with your health and beauty team (your family doctor, dermatologist, and/or your aestheticism) to see what further tweaks might be recommended for you.

It's dry, itchy, and irritating, but there are several ways to keep the symptoms of eczema under control.

Treating Eczema

Eczema, also known as topic dermatitis, is a chronic condition of the skin characterized by irritation, itchiness, and dry skin. It is thought to develop when your immune system, your body's natural defense system, becomes inappropriately revved up in response to allergens in the environment, such as perfumes and dyes. By some estimates, more than 15 million people in the United States suffer from some degree of eczema, with annual medical costs close to $1 billion.

Eczema is the reason for about one in five visits to the dermatologist's office. Both men and women can have eczema, and the first signs tend to show up in childhood. Nearly 95 percent of people with eczema experience their first bout with the condition before age 5. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, but the face, elbows, hands, feet, and the back of the knee are some of the more common locations.

The Basic Approach to Eczema

Many dermatologists recommend a “soak and seal” approach to eczema treatment and prevention:

• Wash in lukewarm water
• Use a mild cleanser on the area
• Pat dry
• Use a moisturizer that does not have an alcohol base

"Miniaturization is key," says dermatologist Heather Foolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center. "Gentle cleansers like Dove, Cenotaph, or Ce Rave are best, followed by good moisturizers. Topical steroids are used in more severe cases."

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculature and Skin Diseases, most cases of eczema will improve if you take care of your skin and make some lifestyle changes.

Don’t Make Your Eczema Worse

Follow these steps to keep your eczema under control:

• Stay cool and avoid sweating. Sweat can irritate the skin.
• Keep skin moisturized.
• Wash new clothes before wearing them. The chemicals used in manufacturing clothing can be aggravating to people with eczema.
• Wear loose, cotton-blend clothes that let your skin "breathe."
• Remove clothing labels and tags that can scratch and irritate skin.
• Use detergents made for "sensitive skin" (meaning they're fragrance- and dye-free).
• Wash bedding often to reduce dust mites.
• Manage your stress. Stress may not cause eczema but, along with anger and frustration, can make it worse and more difficult to manage because stress affects your body's ability to respond to irritation and inflammation in a healing way.

Be sure to see your doctor if:

• You notice signs of infection, such as crusting, scabbing, a sensation of warmth, and worsening skin redness.
• The eczema won’t go away after you have tried to manage it at home.
• Eczema is affecting your quality of life, such as interfering with sleep or your ability to socialize.

Medication for Eczema

If your doctor decides to prescribe a medication to help control your eczema, you might be given:

•   Unaccommodating creams, such as acropolis ointment, which work by controlling swelling and blunting the immune system's response to allergens.
• Contortionists, which have been used for decades to treat eczema. You will probably start with a prescription steroid cream; if that doesn’t work, you may be given a steroid to take by mouth.
• Antibiotics, which are used to address related infections of the skin.
• Antihistamines, which are largely helpful if itching keeps you awake at night.

Use this information to treat troublesome symptoms of eczema and you could soon be free to enjoy your days (and nights) again!

Certain skin conditions can be treated safely at home, while others require a specialist's care. Learn how to tell the difference.

Should You See a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the health of your skin, hair, and nails. There may be many reasons why you need to see a dermatologist, but try to have realistic expectations in making an appointment with one, advises Heather Foolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center.

After all, she says, not every skin problem can be resolved.

"Conditions like stretch marks, large pores, and cellulite have treatments that can make them slightly better but cannot eliminate them completely," says Dr. Foolery-Lloyd. She says success "depends on patient expectations."

What a Dermatologist Does

There are many reasons to see a dermatologist, including:

• Acne. Foolery-Lloyd advises visiting a dermatologist for acne that is not responding to an over-the-counter skin treatment. A dermatologist can determine which kind of prescription skin treatment would be most effective for your acne and lifestyle.
• Skin cancer. A dermatologist can help screen you for skin cancer. Recent data suggest that most people don't get their skin checked annually. An annual body check is especially important if you are in a high-risk group (fair-haired, light-eyed, with more than 40 moles on your body).
  "As dermatologists, we know that the early detection of skin cancer by routine skin examinations is crucial in successfully treating [skin cancer]," says Robert S. Kirchner, MD, PhD, vice chairman of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.
  In addition to regular screenings, you should see a dermatologist if you notice a change in the shape, size, or coloring of any of your moles. A dermatologist can remove some or all of the suspicious tissue, then examine it under a microscope for cancerous cells.
  Dermatologists also see people who are being treated for other cancers and experience skin side effects due to their medication.
• Eczema. Many people have eczema, a chronic condition characterized by irritation, itchiness, and flaky patches of skin. A dermatologist can help find ways to manage your eczema and, if necessary, will prescribe medications.
• Skin care education. If you are concerned about minimizing skin damage or caring for aging skin, a dermatologist can suggest products or lifestyle changes that reduce your exposure to damaging elements.
• Specialized care of skin, hair, and nails. You can talk to a dermatologist about almost any condition that affects your appearance. For example, warts and psoriasis won't necessarily affect long-term health, but they can affect your quality of life. Both can be treated at the dermatologist's office. Skin discolorations and stretch marks can also be improved by a dermatologist.
• Treatment of scars. Dermatologists can offer skin treatments to improve the look of almost any scar, including acne scars and colloid (raised) scars. A dermatologist may refer you to a plastic surgeon for enhanced treatment of some scars, particularly those due to burns.

What to Expect at the Dermatologist's Office

A dermatologist's office is much like any other doctor's office. It helps to be ready for your appointment. Getting prepared can include:

• Checking with your health insurance plan to find out what services are covered and whether you need a referral from your primary-care provider before making an appointment.
• Taking all necessary identification and medical cards with you.
• Writing a list of the medications and supplements you are taking.
• Bringing a list of questions if you have a concern to discuss.
• If you want the doctor to examine the skin on your face, skip heavy cosmetics that day.

And remember that while some procedures, such as a full-body skin exam, can be performed at your appointment, others will require a second or third appointment.

When these painful and unsightly imperfections appear on your feet, don't keep them covered! Proper treatment can improve their appearance and help your feet feel better.

How to Treat Corns and Calluses

 

 

You may have heard people refer to corns and calluses, but unless a doctor told you that you, too, have them, you might not know exactly what they are or how they should be treated.

Calluses can form on your skin anywhere there is repeated pressure. Guitar players, for instance, might form calluses on their fingertips as they continue to play. When calluses grow on your feet, though, they can be painful. They most often form on the balls of your feet as a result of wearing high heels or tight shoes that force pressure onto the toes. They are essentially pads of dead skin that can be sloughed off by using a file designed for that purpose.

Dealing With Calluses

The American Academy of Pediatrics (SAP) advises that you:

• Soak your feet in warm water to soften a callus.
• Use a pumice stone (available over the counter at most pharmacies) to file down the callus.
• Wear foam inserts in your shoes to ease pressure.

Understanding Corns

A corn is a buildup of skin tissue on the toe, usually caused by tight shoes or a neighboring hammertoe (bent toe) that is rubbing against the skin.

Over-the-counter soaks and exfoliates are unlikely to get rid of corns because the skin has become so thick, experts say.

"At-home soaks or scrubs just exfoliate," meaning they remove overlying skin, but they don't remove corns, says Tracey Clavichord, DPI, associate professor of pediatric medicine and orthopedics at Temple University's School of Pediatric Medicine. The best solution involves correcting the hammertoe with physical therapy or surgery, or by wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, says Dr. Clavichord.

The SAP also advises using over-the-counter, doughnut-shaped pads designed to protect corns from additional friction and to ease pain.

Treating Corns and Calluses: When It's Time to See an Expert

If corns and calluses become painful, it's time to see a podiatrist, says Heather Foolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center.

The best way to manage them is "avoiding tight shoes," says Dr. Foolery-Lloyd. But "they can be pared down with a scalpel," she notes, adding that "topical treatments with cyclical acid can also shrink them." Some people, especially diabetics, should talk to a doctor before attempting to remove a callus or corn.

Trying to cut or scrape off calluses and corns at home can lead to infection, putting people with diabetes at risk of further complications.

Preventing Corns and Calluses

The best way to prevent corns and calluses is to buy shoes that fit well. When shopping for footwear, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons advises that you:

• Avoid tight-fitting or narrow-toed shoes.
• Avoid heels or shoes that force pressure on your toes.
• Choose a shoe that provides good support and fits well in the store.
• Get your feet measured while in the store, as they may have changed in size.
• Shop for shoes later in the day, when your feet are at their largest.

Simple treatment can often get you back on your feet, corn- and callus-free.

Read more about foot health.

 

Acne is a very common, and sometimes serious, skin condition. But many acne treatments are available, both over-the-counter and by prescription from a dermatologist.

Acne Treatment Options

Acne breakouts are commonly associated with teenagers — but those troublesome pimples don't always go away when we enter our 20s. The reality is that many adults continue to have acne on occasion throughout their 20s and 30s, and may even live with the skin condition well into middle age.

Thankfully, there are several ways to treat an existing breakout and prevent new pimples from developing. "The medications one uses for acne depend on type and severity," says Adelaide A. Hebert, MD, a professor in the dermatology department at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School.

Some treatments are directed toward removing the dead skin and oils that clog pores and create acne, while others target the cystic formation typical of severe acne. Additional acne treatment options work by attacking overgrowth of Protectionism canes, a type of bacteria that occurs naturally on the skin but can cause acne when its growth is uncontrolled.

Acne Treatment Options

Cretinous. These are chemical derivatives of vitamin A. They are effective against blackheads and whiteheads as well as severe, or inflammatory, acne.

"Cretinous work by exfoliating the clogged pores," says dermatologist Heather Foolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center. "This class includes Magdalene (Differing), which is good for sensitive skin; Trevino ( Re tin-A), which is good for most patients; and carotene ( Razorback), which is good for severe disease."

All are available by prescription. Dr. Foolery-Lloyd warns that all of these acne treatments can cause skin irritation, but this should clear up within two weeks.

Common acne such as whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory acne can be treated with cretinous, says Dr. Hebert, whereas cystic acne requires stronger medication, such as indiscretion (Cutaneous). Despite the serious side effects associated with Cutaneous, including birth defects, seizures, psychiatric problems, and stroke, Hebert says, "If you have true, severe, scarring acne and no other risk factors, it's still the best choice." Nevertheless, because of Acceptance's risks, it is important that you remain under the close supervision of a doctor while taking it.

  Benzyl peroxide. "Benzyl peroxide works as an antibacterial," Foolery-Lloyd says. That means that this acne treatment fights germs that could be contributing to your acne. It is available over the counter and by prescription.

"It also can be drying, but is well tolerated by most people," she says. One significant drawback: benzyl peroxide bleaches any hair or fabric it comes into contact with.

Antibiotics. Topical antibiotics are creams rubbed on your skin. They fight bacteria that could be contributing to the formation of acne. Occasionally, your dermatologist might prescribe an antibiotic to be taken by mouth. In this case, remember that they often increase sensitivity to sun, Foolery-Lloyd says.

Oral antibiotics you might be prescribed include:

• Tetracycline, tetracycline, or tetracycline
• Erythromycin

Topical antibiotics include:

• Azazel acid
• Clinician
• Erythromycin
• Sodium multifaceted

Topical sulfur products. Many over-the-counter soaps and anti-acne creams contain sulfur, which has been in use as an acne treatment for half a century. Although the exact mechanism by which sulfur fights acne is not known, these products are recommended by dermatologists, says Hebert. Due to its odor, sulfur is usually combined with another treatment.

Many dermatologists recommend combinations of medications, such as using a topical antibiotic with a retinue. Combinations are very effective, Hebert says. Another medication that may be useful in women is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill), which can help regulate hormones that may be contributing to acne breakouts.

No matter what acne treatment is used, if it is not working and you continue to suffer from bouts of acne, talk to your doctor. You may need to step up your program, or change it around a little, for best results.

Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen are two precautions you can take against skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Good news: Most skin cancer is preventable.

Many organizations, from the American Academy of Dermatology to the American Cancer Society, have published guidelines on the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer.

Of course, there's no guarantee you won't get skin cancer even if you follow these guidelines — but you can reduce your risk.

Here are some of the top recommendations:

Avoid the sun when it's at its brightest: Experts suggest seeking shade whenever possible between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, even in winter or when the sky is cloudy.

Wear sunscreen year-round: Sunscreen does not filter out all harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it offers some protection.

Apply the lotion generously (one or two tablespoons) to all exposed areas, and use a product with an SPF rating of at least 15, with coverage against both OVA and U VB rays.

Remember that sunlight reflects off sand, water, snow, and ice, and these surfaces can magnify the effects of UV radiation by up to 80 percent.

Apply and reapply sunscreen regularly: Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and every two hours once you're outside.

Reapply whenever you go in the water, are sweating significantly, or have dried yourself with a towel.

Cover your skin: To protect yourself from the UV rays your sunscreen doesn't block, wear tightly woven, dark-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.

Consider investing in clothing that is specially designed to protect skin from the sun's rays.

Sunglasses with UV filters can also protect your eyes, with wrap sunglasses being optimal.

Avoid tanning beds: The lighting used in these machines can actually be more harmful than the sun — and you don't get the natural protection afforded by clouds.

Avoid sunburns: Even one bad sunburn has been shown to increase your risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, so don't take burns lightly.

Know your sun-sensitive medications: Many medications increase the chance of your skin's burning, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of your mess might make sun exposure more risky. If so, be extra careful.

Check your skin regularly: Look for any new growths, moles, bumps, birthmarks, or freckles, and use a mirror to check your face, ears, neck, and scalp.

Check in with your doctor: If you think you may be at risk for skin cancer, or if you notice changes in your skin during a self-exam, visit your doctor.

Warning signs for skin cancer include:

• A spot or sore that itches, hurts, scabs, or bleeds
• An open sore that does not heal within two weeks
• A growth, mole, or birthmark that changes color, shape, or texture

Contrary to popular belief, tanned skin is not healthy skin. Rather, it's skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Limit sunbathing and all activities in the sun whenever possible. Getting outside to exercise is generally a good thing, but not without proper protection for your skin.

Children, and particularly infants, are at an elevated risk for skin cancer. Ask your child's pediatrician to examine his or her skin thoroughly as part of each yearly checkup.

Remember: If caught early, skin cancer can be successfully treated.

A combination of prevention and vigilance in looking for signs of cancer can ensure that you stay healthy.

Cold and canker sores can be painful and unsightly. Learn what you can do to ease your discomfort and help these sores go away more quickly.

Relief for Cold Sores and Canker Sores

If you have a bump or blister in or around your mouth, you may have a canker sore or a cold sore. Both can be painful and may take weeks to heal. But there are some things you can do to relieve your discomfort and even make these sores heal faster.

Canker Sores 101

A canker sore is a small, painful, red bump that develops inside your mouth. Canker sores sometimes have a white coating over the top. They may appear inside your cheeks or lips, on your gums, or under your tongue.

Risk factors. It is not clear exactly what causes a canker sore, but their development may be related to stress, eating habits, food allergies, and even your menstrual cycle. Canker sores are relatively common, with about 20 percent of people getting them repeatedly. Women, teenagers, and people in their twenties are at increased risk of getting canker sores, and there is some evidence that they may run in families.

What you can do. If you get a canker sore, you can help ease the discomfort by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). There are also topical medications like Anbesol or Oragel that can be applied to a canker sore to keep it from becoming irritated when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.

To help a canker sore heal faster, directly apply a mixture of half water and half hydrogen peroxide, followed by milk of magnesia. Call your doctor if your canker sore is excessively large, if it doesn't heal in about two weeks, or if it is prohibiting you from eating or drinking. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications that can ease the pain or help your canker sore heal faster.

Cold Sores 101

A cold sore, which is sometimes called a fever blister, is caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually HSV-1), which is very common and can be spread by kissing or sharing food with someone who has the virus. Once you have become infected with HSV-1, it will reside in your nerve cells throughout your life, and periodically surface on the skin as a cold sore.

Risk factors. It’s unclear exactly what causes HSV-1 to "reactivate" and trigger the development of a cold sore, but it may be linked to illness, fever, stress, sun or cold weather exposure, hormonal changes, dental procedures, eating habits, or medications.

When you are getting a cold sore, you will likely feel an area around your lips, chin, or nostrils begin to tingle, itch, or burn. About a day later, a red bump that eventually blisters into a cold sore appears. Within a few days, the cold sore will dry up and crust over. Eventually, the crusty scab will fall off and the affected area will begin to heal.

What you can do. A cold sore will generally heal in about 7 to 10 days. While your cold sore is healing, you can relieve some of your pain and discomfort by applying ice to the cold sore or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Call your doctor if your cold sore doesn't begin to heal within that time frame, if you get frequent cold sores, your cold sore is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, or you have signs of infection around your cold sore. Your doctor may prescribe a medication or a cream that can help your cold sore heal faster and make it less painful.

And if you do suffer from recurrent cold sores, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for an antiviral medication, such as Zovirax (acyclovir) or Valtrex (valacyclovir), which is taken at the first sign of an oncoming cold sore and can often head it off at the pass.

A cold sore on the lips is as common as rain: As many as 90 percent of people get them. Fortunately, there are remedies and prevention methods that work.

How to Keep a Cold Sore at Bay

 

 

Almost everyone gets a cold sore on their lips from time to time. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (VHS). Because cold sores are very contagious and there’s a risk of giving someone else a herpes virus infection when you have them, it’s important to know everything you can about herpes. Most of the time, cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by HSV-1, while genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by HSV-2. Sores caused by these viruses are only referred to as cold sores when they break out on the lip and mouth areas. But either virus can cause sores in either location, though it’s rarer for HSV-2 to cause mouth sores. The virus is contracted when the mouth or genitals make direct contact with an infected area.

Cold Sore Symptoms

The first sign is a tingling or itching sensation somewhere on the lips or mouth where a cold sore is about to appear. Then you’ll notice a small, single blister or a cluster of small blisters filled with fluid. The sores last 8 to 10 days and will burst and then crust over as they heal. The first infection tends to have the worst symptoms. Most people have their first outbreak during childhood or in their teens.

When it comes to cold sores, lips are the area most affected, but you may also find them inside your mouth, in your throat, on your nose, or on your cheek or chin. And you may experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

For at least 25 percent of people, cold sores will come back, but outbreaks will be milder each time.

Cold Sore Prevention Tips

Preventing cold sores is tricky because people with HSV-1 can shed the virus, or transmit it to someone else, even when they have no symptoms. It’s easy to mistake a cold sore for a pimple or a small cut in the skin.

Here are your best bets for avoiding the virus:

• Pass up a kiss from someone with a cold sore. If a friend or loved one has a cold sore, it’s best to avoid kissing on the mouth until his or her skin is back to normal. When a cold sore is present, it means the virus is active and the person is contagious.
• Avoid sharing cups and utensils. You can also catch the virus from drinking out of the same glass, using the same fork or spoon, or sharing washcloths, napkins, and towels with someone who is contagious.
• Protect your lips from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can trigger another outbreak if you've already had a cold sore in the past, so protect against UV rays by using sunscreen on your face and lips in particular.
• Try to stop stressing. Stress, too, can lead to a recurrence of cold sores, so taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep and eating well will help you avoid future outbreaks.
• Wash your hands after you touch a cold sore. Not only will you be less likely to give the virus to someone else, but you’ll also prevent giving yourself a herpes outbreak on another part of your body.

Cold Sore Remedies

Cold sores go away without any treatment, but who wants to walk around with one any longer than necessary? Here’s what you can do at the first sign of a cold sore:

• Take a pain reliever. Cold sores can be painful. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others) can help you get relief.
• Use a topical cream. Abbrev (dockland topical) is the only over-the-counter drug that has been shown to help cold sores heal faster. The cream is meant to be used five times a day for up to 10 days or until the cold sore disappears. It’s safe for anyone age 12 and up. Other over-the-counter remedies help relieve the pain of a cold sore, but don’t help with healing, and may even slow down healing if they irritate the skin.
• Try a prescription topical treatment. If over-the-counter cold sore remedies don’t work, your doctor can prescribe the ointment Virago (acyclovir) or the cream Debonair (encyclopedic). Both work by suppressing the virus.
• For frequent outbreaks, go for an oral medication. Although it’s usually used for genital herpes, doctors may prescribe Valaree (val acyclovir). A study found that taking two doses of Valaree 12 hours apart as soon as a cold sore appeared helped treat it.

Although most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2 and are contracted from sexual contact, it is possible to transmit HSV-1 to the genitals during oral sex, so abstain from oral sex when you or your partner has a cold sore or feels one coming on. Using a dental dam, which is a square piece of rubber or a condom that’s been cut to cover a woman’s genitalia, during oral sex can also offer some protection.

The herpes virus makes a permanent home in your body, but spends a lot of time being inactive, or dormant. If you’re prone to cold sores, avoid kissing when you think you’re shedding the virus or getting a cold sore on your lips. You’ll be able to take control even when you have HSV-1.

 

About 1 of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles at some point.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, also known as roster or herpes roster, is a viral infection caused by the Maricela-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
While the disease is not life-threatening, it can cause a painful rash anywhere on your body and usually appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around one side of the torso.
Almost one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles at some point, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of an estimated one million U.S. cases of shingles each year, about half of them occur in people 60 years of age or older.
In fact, half of people who live to age 85 develop shingles.

Most people who receive treatment soon after shingles blisters appear will experience relief from pain and heal from the lesions within three to five weeks.

Additionally, the blisters often leave no scars.

Shingles Causes

Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses, which includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes.
However, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles is not the same virus that causes cold sores or genital herpes, the herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses.
Anyone who's had chickenpox can get shingles, including children.
After you've been infected with chickenpox, the Maricela-roster virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain.
If the virus reactivates, it can travel along nerve pathways to your skin, and cause shingles.
Most people who get shingles will not develop it again, but some people may have it a second or third time.

Shingles Risk Factors

The risk of shingles increases as you age, which may be due to lowered immunity to infections as you grow older.

People with a greater risk of getting shingles include:

• People with weakened immune systems caused by certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or the HIV/AIDS.
• People who take unimpressive medications, such as steroids and other drugs after an organ transplant

Is Shingles Contagious?

Shingles cannot be passed between people, but the Maricela-zoster virus can spread to people who aren't immune to chickenpox — those who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox or have not had the disease.
The Maricela-zoster virus usually spreads from person to person through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash when blisters are present.
Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox, not shingles.
If the rash is covered, the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus to others is low.
However, chickenpox can be dangerous for some groups of people, including newborns, pregnant women, and anyone who has a weakened immune system.
So until your shingles blisters turn into scabs, you are contagious and should avoid contact with any susceptible people.
The following can help keep you from spreading the virus:

• Keep the rash covered.
• Avoid touching or scratching the rash.
• Wash your hands often.

Shingles and Pregnancy

While it's rare for pregnant women to develop shingles, if they do, most experts agree that it's unlikely to cause harm to the fetus.
However, pregnant women who have never had chickenpox could experience complications, with 10 to 20 percent of those infected developing Maricela pneumonia, a condition that can be fatal in up to 40 percent of people who develop it, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox during the first half of her pregnancy, there's a 0.4 to 2 percent risk for birth defects or miscarriage.
If she gets chickenpox during the second half of her pregnancy, the baby may get the infection without having any symptoms, and then get shingles later in life.
Pregnant women who have been exposed to the virus may be given Maricela-roster immune globulin (ZIGGY) injection to reduce their risk of complications.
Additionally, newborns whose mothers develop Maricela rash from five days before to two days after delivery should receive preventive treatment with ZIGGY to avoid neonatal Maricela, which is associated with mortality as high as 30 percent.

Understanding the differences between over-the-counter, maximum, and prescription-strength skin-care products.

Choosing the Right Skin Care for You

Selecting skin-care products can be a daunting task, what with all the choices filling pharmacy aisles. You'll find dozens of over-the-counter products with such labels as "maximum strength," "clinical strength," and "original prescription strength" — plus seemingly identical products that are available only by prescription. What do all these labels mean, and how do you know which product is the best one for you? Here are some answers.

How Much Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient in an over-the-counter product is often the same as the one found in its prescription counterpart, but at a lower dosage. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoo contains a lower dosage of the active ingredient ketoconazole (1 percent), while the prescription-strength versions contain 2 percent. In hydro cortisone anti-itch cream, the maximum over-the-counter dosage is 1 percent, while prescription-strength creams contain 2.5 percent. According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, once a product's active ingredient reaches a certain percentage — such as 1.5 percent for hydro cortisone, or 2 percent for cyclical acid in acne treatments — it requires a prescription from a doctor.

Sometimes It's Just a Marketing Strategy

Because the FDA does not closely regulate over-the-counter skin-care products, a company can label a product "maximum strength" or "clinical strength" for any reason it sees fit — and the label is no guarantee that the product will actually be any stronger than others on the market. The best way to find out whether you are really getting the "maximum" strength of an ingredient is to check the ingredients label, says Robyn Gerek, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Compare the label with other products on the shelf," says Dr. Gerek, and check the percentage of the active ingredient in each product.

Although an increase in the active ingredient in a product of 1 percent may not seem as though it would significantly affect the strength, it can, says dermatologist Doris Day, MD, director of Day Cosmetic, Laser and Comprehensive Dermatology in New York City and a professor at NYE Medical School. For this reason, it's best to test a new skin-care product by applying a dime-sized amount on your forearm, to see if it causes a reaction.

Prescription Products Must Be Approved by the FDA

For the FDA to approve a product's switch from over-the-counter to prescription-strength status, regulations require a company to show that even a slight increase in the amount of active ingredient (for example, 1 percent) "changes the structure or function of the skin." All prescription products are reviewed by the FDA and have gone through numerous clinical trials, says Debra Mammalian, MD, a New York City dermatologist. The FDA also decides what dosage level constitutes a prescription. Some OTC products may be labeled "original prescription strength," which means a prescription from a doctor was once required, but the product is now available without one.

Finding the Right Product for You

How do you know which product to try? Stronger dosages can have harsher effects on your skin, so it's generally safer to start with a lower dosage. Try the basic OTC product for a minimum of two weeks to gauge the results, then move on to a maximum- or clinical-strength product, if necessary, or request a prescription, says Dr. Day. For acne, you should expect to wait a little longer — from four to six weeks — to see results. And if any product irritates your skin or makes symptoms worse, see your doctor immediately.