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This section is made possible
by Dr.
Lorrie Klein
Laguna Niguel Dermatology
30131 Town Center Drive,
Laguna Niguel, Ca 92677
(949) 363-1788 FAX (949) 363-1607
Email:lkderm@flash.net
Dr Klein is a Diplomate of the American Board of
Dermatology (Board Certified). She is an Assistant
Clinical Professor in Dermatology at UCI Medical School.
Dr. Klein has won several awards and has published
several articles in medical journals. She has lectured
to other physicians at medical conferences and at
numerous community and civic organizations. She has
served as Chairperson of the Orange County Skin Cancer
Task Force of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Klein
is on the staffs at South Coast Medical Center and
UCI Medical Center.
more
on Dr. Klein
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Q & A ABOUT YOUR SKIN
AND YOUR DERMATOLOGIST
Do I really need to
take care of my skin?
What functions does the skin perform?
How can I take care of my skin?
What kind of training do dermatologists
get?
What role can a dermatologist play in
the care of my skin?
Is there a certain age when people should
first see a dermatologist?
When might I benefit from regular visits
to a dermatologist?
What common problems do dermatologists
treat today?
What can I expect from my visit to a
dermatologist?
Will I need prescription drugs?
What changes are taking place in the field
of dermatology?
Do I really need
to take care of my skin?
Absolutely Yes! Your skin is an organ of your body. It is
the largest and most visible of the bodyıs organs and one
of the most complex because it interacts with many other organs.
It acts as a shield protecting your insides from external
stress: disease, infection and environmental factors such
as the sun, wind and rain. Your skin also plays an important
part in your appearance. Back to Top
What functions
does the skin perform?
It comes in contact with harmful agents, such as bacteria,
viruses and allergens (substances that can cause allergic
reactions), and it works to protect your body from their effects.
It also helps regulate your body temperature; for instance,
to cool down, you sweat when you exercise. The skin can do
all this while withstanding everyday assaults from the environment:
sun, wind, heat, dryness, cold weather, pollution and cigarette
smoke. All these factors can damage the skin, limiting its
protective function. Back to Top
How can I take
care of my skin?
Windows of Health Your skin also reflects your health. When
you are healthy, your skin glows. When you do not eat well
or are under stress, your skin shows it.
Here are some simple steps most people can take to protect
their skin:
- If you have a normal or dry skin, use moisturizers and
gentle, non-drying cleansers.
- Help prevent skin cancer by daily using sunscreen (SPF
15 or higher) outside, wearing protective clothing outdoors
and avoiding overexposure to the sun and artificial tanning.
- Wear gloves when you wash dishes, use harsh chemicals,
garden, rake leaves and do other activities that can be
hard on your hands.
Proper care of the skin also should include the help of a
dermatologist. Dermatologists are physicians who specialize
in skin care. They receive extensive training to help keep
skin healthy and to treat skin problems. Back
to Top
What kind of
training do dermatologists get?
After medical school and a year of hospital residency in general
medicine, dermatologists have at least three more years of
intensive medical and surgical training. Dermatology residency
training focuses on the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes
(the "wet skin" of the mouth and genital area). Board-certified
dermatologists have completed this training and passed a comprehensive
test given by the American Board of Dermatology. About 8,500
board-certified dermatologists practice in the United States.Click
here for Dr. Lorrie Klein detailed medical training and experiences.
Back to Top
What role can a
dermatologist play in the care of my skin?
A dermatologist can help you care for your skin in important
ways: Diagnosis Dermatologists diagnose skin disease quickly
and effectively by noting your symptoms and checking your
skin. They then give you options for proven treatments. If
you have any symptoms of skin disease, see a dermatologist
as soon as possible.
Prevention Dermatologists can also
help you prevent unnecessary damage to your skin. They do
this through education and by showing you how to examine your
skin for signs of skin cancer or other skin problems.
Surgery Dermatologists are also
skin surgeons. They often perform surgery on the skin to prevent
disease, provide early control of disease or improve how the
skin looks.
Cosmetic Procedures Dermatologists
can improve the appearance of skin damage by aging, sunlight
or disease. Some ways they do this include chemical peels
(a form of skin rejuvenation), liposuction (a type of fat
removal) and removal of skin growths, discoloration or unwanted
veins. Back to Top
Is there a certain
age when people should first see a dermatologist?
No. Dermatologists treat people of all ages. Skin problems
can affect everyone from newborns to older adults. You or
your family members should see a dermatologist whenever you
have symptoms of skin trouble. Even if have never have had
skin problems, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist as
an adult. Nearly everyone will have some kind of skin problem
in his or her lifetime. The skin protective barrier can break
down due to age, disease or other factors. Your dermatologist
can help you watch for the long-term effects of the environment,
aging and disease and also help prevent skin problems. Back
to Top
When might I benefit
from regular visits to a dermatologist?
Some adults regularly visit a dermatologist to help find conditions
such as skin cancer early. Since skin cancer is the most common
cancer, it is a good idea to regularly see a dermatologist
for skin checkups. You also should check your own skin for
changes in moles and for new lumps or discoloration. Back
to Top
What common problems
do dermatologists treat today?
Dermatologists have many effective medical and surgical treatments
for problems of the skin, hair and nails. Here are some common
conditions they treat:
Acne - Acne is the term for plugged
pores, pimples and deeper lumps such as cysts that occur on
the upper half of the body. Acne affects most teenagers, but
adults can get acne, too. One survey placed acne as the most
often treated skin disorder. Today, medical treatment can
reduce scarring due to acne.
Athleteıs Foot - A fungal infection
causes athleteıs foot. Moisture, such as sweating, and tight
shoes and socks make the perfect setting for a fungus to grow
on your feet.
Cold Sores - The herpes simplex virus
can cause blisters called cold sores almost anywhere on a
personıs skin. The virus has two types. One tends to occur
around the mouth and nose, and the other often appears on
the buttocks and genitals.
Hair Loss - Hair loss can occur for
many reasons, the most common of which is hereditary baldness.
New medicines may help reduce baldness in some people. Another
treatment option is a hair transplant, which involves moving
small plugs of hair-growing skin from the back and sides of
your scalp to the balding areas.
Hives - Another name for hive is "wheals."
These ink swellings occur in groups on any part of the skin.
Each wheal lasts a few hours before fading away, leaving no
trace. Hives usually itch and may also sting or burn. Allergic
reactions to foods, drugs and other allergic triggers can
cause hives.
Nail Problems - Problems with your
fingernails or toenails could be a sign of a health problem.
See a dermatologist if your nails are thick, tough or painful
or have scaling, white spots or red lines on them.
Psoriasis - Taking its name from the
Greek word for "itch", psoriasis is a persistent skin disease.
In psoriasis, the skin forms red, thick patches covered by
silvery scales. Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, elbows,
knees and lower part of the back. More than 5 million Americans
have psoriasis.
Rashes - Often called dermatitis,
rashes can become itchy painful. Rashes have may causes, including
allergic reactions, friction, prolonged exposure to heat and
moisture, or contact with irritants, such as harsh chemicals.
Hand eczema is a common rash. Many people with this problem
start with dry, chapped hands that later become red, scaly
and swollen.
Warts - A virus causes warts. The
four most common kinds of wart are hand, plantar (foot), flat
and genital warts. Warts usually are skin colored and feel
rough. Back to Top
What can I expect
from my visit to a dermatologist? You can expect several
things during you visit: Interest in you, your skin problem
and your concerns. Medical expertise, history and a physical
exam relevant to your skin problem. Any needed testing, such
as lab tests, or a prescription for tests. An explanation
of the condition, treatment options and potential adverse
reactions to medicines if prescribed. An estimated time and
cost of the treatment you choose.
Back to Top
Will I need prescription
drugs?
When appropriate, dermatologists recommend medicines, such
as creams or pills. They are trained to prescribe drugs that
have the best chance of helping and the least chance of harming
you. Back to Top
What changes are taking
place in the field of dermatology?
Many changes are occurring in this field of medicine. Dermatologists
have new ways to effectively treat skin problems, so that
their patients will get better faster. Back
to Top
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