Unusual but True – Werewolf Syndrome

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Werewolf Syndrome does exist but it is not what Hollywood or science fiction depicts it to be. Werewolf syndrome is medically known as hypertrichosis. It is a disorder that is characterized by excessive body hair. Typically the entire body with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are covered in dense hair, which can resemble fur. In some cases hair growth can be localized to a specific body part such as the back, elbows or ears.

Hypertrichosis can be classified into three main subcategories: congenital hypertrichosis terminalis, Naevoid hypertrichosis and congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa.

Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis- Is often associated with gingival hyperplasia, which causes those that are afflicted to have very few teeth or soft voices.
Naevoid hypertrichosis – Symptoms may include excessive beard growth (men and women), a heavy unibrow, hairy ears and in some cases with underlying spina bifida-a tail on the lower back.
Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa- This form of hypertrichosis is extremely rare and is characterized by excessive hair at birth. There have only been about 50 cases reported globally since the middle ages.

Some possible conditions believed to cause hypertrichosis are metabolic disorders or genetic disorders caused by spontaneous mutations. The recommended treatment for this condition is hair removal because it is usually considered a cosmetic problem.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Sun Tan Savvy

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Bronzed, or tanned skin comes from the sun activating a color pigment in the top layer of your skin, the color only lasts between six to 10 days. Due to the skins natural turnover of cells, prolonging you tan takes work.

Some tips to maintain your summer glow are:

Exfoliate – The night before your lying in the sun to ensure that your skin prepped for tanning. Dry skin can lead to peeling and, in some cases an uneven tan. Slough away dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliator. It is easy to create your own body scrubs by combining a few heaping spoonful’s of rock salt with essential oils or your regular olive oil from the kitchen.

Protect – Wearing sunscreen is vital when exposed to the sun, not only to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but also if you want a long-lasting tan. Wearing sunscreen will protect damaged skin from peeling off more easily. Make swure to opt for a sunscreen with a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) and re-apply throughout the day.

Hydrate – Water helps extend the life of your skin cells, so drink as much as possible. Melons, cucumbers and celery are also high in water content and make the perfect skin-friendly snack this summer.

Moisturize – In addition to drinking lots of water, it’s also important to keep the peeling at bay with a daily dose of moisturizer.

While tanning, keep in mind that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Exposure to the sun, without the benefit of sunscreen increases the risk of melanoma.

How Much Sweat is Normal ?

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

The amount of sweat that a person produces varies from person to person and is dependent on the activity a person is doing. A person that works in a climate controlled environment is going to sweat less than a person working out in a gym or doing manual labor. Excess sweating is called hyperhidrosis and this occurs when a person is sweating more than what might be considered normal. There is no quantifiable number that can be associated with excess sweating but a person who sweats through their clothes in an environment where it isn’t routine for heavy sweating, should be evaluated. Certain people sweat excessively due to the medications they are taking, sometimes there may be an infection that the body is trying to fight, and some people have a family history of excessive sweating.
A simple way to treat perspiration is by using an over the counter anti-perspirant. In more severe cases a physician may prescribe medication that will help to control excess sweating and in very severe cases there are procedures that can be performed that will help control the perspiration.
If you think that you may be sweating excessively, contact your physician and have a thorough exam performed. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital by calling 718-206-7001.

What Are Keloid Scars?

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Keloid scars occur when the body responds aggressively to an injury to the skin. Damage to the skin can be the result of a cut, scrape, burn, piercing, or surgery.

Keloids are usually pink or red and are raised above the normal skin surface. They are different from other scars in that they have the ability to stretch beyond the original boundary of the wound. They develop most often on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes and can become painful, itchy, and in extreme cases, even affect muscle function.

Doctors do not know why certain individuals develop keloid scars and some do not, but research suggests that some people’s skin is unable to identify and correctly respond to the damage at the site of the wound. Keloid scars can be developed by anyone but they are much more common in those with darker colored skin. The tendency to form keloids sometimes seems to run in families.

Treatment options include surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen).

The best keloid cure is to prevent one before it starts. People who are prone to keloid scars should not undergo cosmetic surgery or get piercings because chances are another keloid will develop. There’s no guarantee that a keloid will not develop after an injury, but there are steps that can be taken to aid in the prevention.

At the initial period of injury firm pressure should immediately be placed on the wound. This will help to stop the bleeding so that your body can begin the healing process. The wound should be cleaned with cool running water and mild soap to rid the wound from any dirt or debris. Keep the wound covered with a bandage to keep out bacteria and other toxins. Silicone gels are very effective for this because they form a barrier on the skin locking in moisture while keeping out germs.