bestrx Atlanta doctors provide answers to your questions
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What can cause brown spots to appear on your skin?
When considering what causes brown spots, you must take into consideration the different types of pigment: Lentigos, also commonly known as “sun spots,” are caused by the sun. Melasma is usually caused by hormones or pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation, (brown patches), can be caused by medications, chemicals or previous trauma. What can you do if these spots appear? An SPF 30 sunscreen used daily is the foundation of any treatment regimen. Prescription skin lighteners and medical-grade cosmetic product lines are also available to complete your clearer and healthier skin program. Specialized treatments designed to lessen the appearance of brown spots are available. If you need help deciding which treatment option is right for your skin, follow up with your dermatologist to customize a plan best suited for you.
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Q Karina Khouri Belinfante, MD Emory Specialty Associates at Smyrna
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Leslie C. Gray, MD Dermatology Center of Atlanta
How important are hepatitis vaccines and how do I know if I need one?
Hepatitis vaccines are very important. Hepatitis A and B are very preventable forms of illness and their prevalence has decreased in society since the introduction of these vaccines. There are currently two available vaccines. The Hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of three shots, and it is usually started shortly after the birth of a baby in this country, with booster shots given at one and six months later. Hepatitis A is acquired many times through the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This vaccine is given in two doses and can be given to children as young as one year old. While the illness is usually self-limited and will resolve in time, it can be very difficult to endure and possibly life threatening to patients with other liver impairment, or to elderly or sickly patients.
What are the causes and signs of anemia?
Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells occurring when there is an inadequate amount of iron in the body to make hemoglobin. Anemia can be caused by a number of different conditions, including bleeding in the digestive tract, heavy menstrual periods and sickle cell disease. Some with anemia have no signs while others experience symptoms including headache, weakness, fatigue and irritability. Occasionally people experience shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat.
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Q Darren Triplett, MS Emory-Georgia Tech Center for Health Discovery and Well Being
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Lisa Dillard, MD Piedmont Physicians at Marietta
Can snacking between meals cause weight gain?
Snacking between meals can cause people to gain weight if they make poor choices. However, snacking all by itself will not directly lead to weight gain. Successful snacking requires planning. Having healthy options available to you such as fruit, vegetables or nuts is very important. Next, figure out how many calories are in your snack. A healthy snack such as almonds can quickly turn into 500 calories if you aren’t careful about portion size.
How can the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be eliminated?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms typically present as numbness, tingling and pain in the hands. The application of a wrist splint at night may help ease this discomfort. Repetitive activities such as typing may aggravate the symptoms, which may include finger tip numbness and tingling and hand pain with possible cramping. Making ergonomic changes at the workstation can help, as well as taking frequent breaks from repetitive activities. Occasional use of over the counter antiinflammatory drugs may help with aches and pains (consult with your physician before starting anti-inflammatory drugs). If this fails to resolve the symptoms, a consultation with a hand surgeon is recommended.
Viralkumar Patel, MD Atlanta Hand Specialist
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