What to do about an inflamed, raised, hard scar

Question: I had an injury to my shoulder earlier this year and while the wound has mostly healed and is no longer scabby, the resulting scar is still painful, raised, hard and lumpy. It’s bigger and uglier than the original wound. What can I do? Answer: There...

Should I be using a retinoid?

Question:  As I’ve moved through my thirties and into my forties, I’ve noticed a marked change in my facial skin. I have some dark spots and discolorations and my face seems thinner overall and a little more sallow. I’ve heard about using a Retin-A...

Allergic to sunscreen? Read labels!

Question:  My daughter is apparently allergic to many of the sunscreens I have tried on her and gets an itchy, burning rash. What is it in the sunscreens that is causing this reaction? Answer: There could be many different chemicals causing a skin reaction. Most...

Are you aware of this summer itch hazard?

Question:  I was working outside doing pool and yard chores and all of a sudden I got this intense itching and burning on my upper, inner arms. What is it and how can I get rid of it? Answer: This is a true story and it can easily happen to you the more time you spend...

Winter-whipped skin! Now what?

Question:  I have been using a Retin-A (tretinoin) anti-aging  skin-care regimen but with all this extreme winter weather my skin is chapped, cracked and looks and feels terrible. What should I do? Answer: You may need to adjust your skin-care routine and anti-aging...

How to avoid and treat dark spots

Question:  All I had was a simple pimple – why did it leave such a dark spot and how can I get rid of it as quick as possible? Answer:  Of course the answer’s not that simple! Everyone’s propensity to form a dark spot in response to anything that causes skin redness...