Health wellness and beauty 2018 02 23

Health,Wellness & Beauty

Lower your risk of PAD

Fat-freezing techniques a blank slate media/litmor publications special section • february 23, 2018

32 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018

Our drug epidemic, why it happened Healthy lifestyle changes can make great changes in combatting use of opioids

BY D R .

TOM FERRARO Sport Psychologist The headlines are ďŹ lled with data on the epidemic of opioid use in America.

We now have over 50,000 deaths due to drug overdose per year. And it’s not only the young of our nation that are overdosing on painkillers.

There is now a new term called “death by despair� refers to white middle-aged men and women who are overdosing due to depression. Alcohol abuse has risen by 50 percent since 2000 and now 12.7 percent of Americans or one in eight are alcoholic.

Now we see that recreational marijuana is legal in California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Washington and Alaska. And in case you’re tempted to try some pot you should know that in our clinical settings we now treat amotivational syndrome due to longterm marijuana use and it consists of blunted emotions, loss of drive and impaired memory process.

Back in 1932 Aldous Huxley wrote “Brave New World� where he described a population that was so zonked out on the drug Soma that they had little interest in the world around them. We are fast heading in that direction but too bad for us all these

drugs appear to have prise that everyone turns rather sinister side eects. to drugs to ďŹ nd some reOpioid use will slow lief and a way to ease up. heart rate and eventually 2. Salary stagnation reduce the person’s ability has been with us since to enjoy natural pleasures 1980. But the cost of livlike food, exercise and ing always goes up. The sex. It may also kill you. result is that every family Long-term alcohol use is forced to overwork just will produce liver disease, to keep up with the Jones. cirrhosis, pancreatitis, This means exhaustion and esophageal issues. and on the heels of exDR. TOM FERRARO The nation is in the haustion, you will ďŹ nd Our Town midst of a drug crisis that people going to doctors shows no signs of letting or the local liquor store to up. It is always wise to get some extra energy in understand the many reasons for this epi- the form of your chemical of choice. demic in order to have a chance to hold back 3. The information explosion has been the tide. with us since the 1960s and with it comes a Social critics have suggested a variety of dizzying array of media outlets to hook into. causes for this cultural tidal wave of painkill- And the unrelenting amount of information er use and alcohol abuse. Here are the lead- that we must digest produces anxiety and a ing reasons: feeling of being ooded.

1. America is a highly competitive nation In Donna Haraway’s “Cyborg Manifesto� and our singular value system is to win, win, she warns that our fusion with technology, win. This is the essential dictum of a capitalis- cars, phones, radios, and computers is fast tic society and there is no alternative position changing us into cyborgs and I think she’s that gives our competitive drive any balance. right. But the problem is that we are still huSo what we get is a population that is man and our bodies just can’t take it. always in overdrive. Pro athletes are in over4. Related to all the above is the epidemdrive. Kids who play sports are in overdrive. ic of both psychosomatic and hypochondriac And parents are in overdrive. So it is no sur- illnesses that every doctor is treating.

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These psychosomatic symptoms like headaches, back pain, digestive problems and/or hypochondriasis are all connected to anxiety or repressed anger and in fact often require medication to treat. And some of these medicines are painkillers.

These are just a few of the cultural pressures that have produced the drug overuse issue. And what pray tell are we to do about all this? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Get more sleep. I recommend at least 8.5 hours per night. This requires you to turn o the tube by about 9 p.m.

2. Take long walks in nature without your cell phones with you. Nature is the great elixir of life.

3. Exercise daily or play a sport that you enjoy.

4. Find a hobby or art form that you can do at least once or twice per week 5. Read more literature. “Moby Dickâ€? will take you many many hours to get through but you will be better o for it.

6. Meditate or do yoga. This is fun and relaxing for you and you will meet some nice folks in the studio.

7. And if your symptoms or drug use persists, you can’t stop using or if you ďŹ nd that you need more and more of it, seek local professional help. There is no shame in getting help if the drug has gotten its claws into you and you can’t get free of it.

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What are the risks and benefits to endometrial ablation?

F

emales undergo many different experiences thanks to their reproductive systems. From the start of puberty to the final stages of menopause, the female body goes through many changes, many of which are spurred on by hormones. One condition women in their 30s and 40s may face is the onset of heavy menstruation levels and/or irregular bleeding.

Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding, offers The Mayo Clinic. Hormonal imbalances may cause the buildup of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to develop in excess and eventually be shed in the form of heavy bleeding.

Fibroids, dysfunction of the ovaries, polyps, cancer, and intrauterine devices all may contribute to heavier

than normal periods.

Heavy menstrual cycles can impact quality of life, particularly if they are accompanied by severe cramping and bleedthrough. Doctors may recommend treatment if heavy periods soak a pad or tampon every two hours or less; if menstrual periods last longer than eight days; or if periods are accompanied with anemia from excessive blood loss, says Healthline.

Typically, hormone therapy, IUDs or medications are first prescribed to treat the problem. However, if these are not effective, a gynecologist may recommend a procedure called endometrial ablation.

To understand how endometrial ablation works, it is first necessary to comprehend the basic menstrual cycle. Each month, a wom-

an’s body readies itself for the prospect of pregnancy.

In addition to an egg being released to fertilization, the endometrium will build up in the uterus to provide a place for the fertilized egg to implant and develop. If no fertilization occurs, the egg and the lining will shed away and exit the body through menstruation.

During endometrial ablation, a doctor will perform a procedure that will permanently remove the endometrium and prevent further periods, says The Mayo Clinic. The process varies depending on certain factors, but will begin with the dilation of the cervix to allow for the insertion of medical instruments. Options to treat the endometrium include electrosurgery, cryoablation (freezing), hot fluid, heated balloon, microwave, and radiofrequency. NovaSure Endometrial Ablation uses

radiofrequency distributed through a netting inserted into the uterus.

In many cases, women who have undergone endometrial ablation will gradually see their periods lighten, and some may stop altogether. The recovery time can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

One of the risks of endometrial ablation is sterilization. Although it is not designed as a birth control method, endometrial ablation will make the endometrium unable to sustain a fertilized egg or a growing embryo, and miscarriage is likely, says Healthline.

Therefore, women who are still planning to have children should not undergo the procedure. Those with uterine or endometrial cancer or other conditions may be precluded from

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A doctor may suggest endometrial ablation to alleviate heavy menstrual periods. having an ablation procedure.

include damage to the vagina, vulva or bowels.

Apart from cramping, watery discharge and increased urinary frequency may occur after the procedure. Rare side effects

Women considering endometrial ablation are urged to go over all of the benefits and risks with their doctors.

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34 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018

Simple ways to avoid injuries when working out

Five to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise before working out can help men and women avoid injury.

A

desire to live a healthy, active life compels many people to include exercise in their daily routines. Numerous studies have shown that regular workouts that include a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise can make bodies less susceptible to injury while reducing a person’s risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Exercising is most effective when it’s part of a daily routine, but that routine can be derailed if men and women are not taking the appropriate measures to avoid injury while working out. While even professional athletes succumb to injury from time to time, there are steps everyone can take to avoid injury when working out.

Confirm your technique is the right one. Exercise science is continuously evolving, and that means workouts and fitness machines are evolving as well.

When using a piece of equipment for the first time or altering a workout routine, men and women should consult with a gym employee or personal trainer to learn the correct technique. Incorrect technique can lead to minor and serious injuries because muscles are used in ways they are not intended to be used when exercises are performed properly.

Research appropriate techniques, taking advantage of online video tutorials if you don’t exercise at a gym, to ensure the exercises you want to perform are done properly. When beginning a new routine, ask a friend or gym employee to observe your workout and let you know if you are doing anything incorrectly.

Be patient. Lifting too much weight or pushing yourself too hard on the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine will

increase your risk of injury. This is especially true for men and women working out for the first time or after lengthy stretches of inactivity. Men and women who are elderly, inactive and/or overweight are likely to suffer from poor balance because their muscles are weak. Those muscles can be strengthened over time, but remain patient and stick to light weight during initial workouts so lack of balance does not lead to pain or injury. Take the same approach with aerobic exercise to prevent muscle strains and pulls.

Increase weight and the intensity of cardiovascular exercises as muscles gradually strengthen and become accustomed to exercise.

Allow for adequate time to warm up. Failure to warm up is another contributor to exerciserelated injury. Before diving into a workout routine, spend between five and 10 minutes warming up your body with some low-intensity exercises. This increases blood flow to the muscles and makes them more elastic and pliable

than cold muscles, thereby improving flexibility. Some lowintensity cardiovascular exercise on the stationary bike or treadmill can greatly reduce injury risk during the workout.

Vary workouts and exercise regularly. Varying workouts is a good idea because doing so can prevent repetitive-use injuries and prevent overuse of muscles.

Repetitive-use injuries such as shin splints and tendinitis require extended rest to heal, and that can derail your routine and nullify your progress. Vary workouts so you are not always working the same muscles, and don’t mistake varying workouts for varying workout schedules. Working out five days one week and one day the next increases your risk of injury.

Injuries sometimes happen when exercising. But veteran and novice fitness enthusiasts can employ a handful of simple strategies to greatly reduce their risk of injury while working out.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

Methods to treating arthritic knees

O

steoarthritis of the joints can affect people of all ages, but is one of the leading causes of disability in the aged population in the United States. A study published in the Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine found incidence of knee OA is rising by increasing average age of the general population. Age, weight, trauma, and repetitive movements are common risk factors for the condition.

According to Dr. Scott Paris of Central Jersey Spine and Wellness, more than 27 million people in the country suffer from knee arthritis. An estimated 37 percent of Canadians aged 20 or older who had been diagnosed with arthritis reported osteoarthritis, with 29 percent occurring in the knees, states Statistics Canada. Knee arthritis occurs when there is a degeneration of articular cartilage that covers and protects the patella (knee cap) at the knee joint, offers the online resource Arthritis-Health. Since this cartilage has no nerve endings, some people can experience arthritis but feel no pain. However, pain may occur when doing specific activities that cause impact between bones, like jumping, walking up stairs or certain sports.

Over time, knee arthritis may become worse, and pain can be accompanied by stiffness and loss of mobility. This may be accompanied by knee locking or buckling.

Those who suffer from knee OA may seek treatment. In 2014, the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting osteoarthritis research and treatment, updated its recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis targeted to different patient characteristics. The main categories of treatment include non-drug treatments, medication, injections, and surgery.

Non-drug treatments: Examples of nondrug treatments include exercise, stretching and range-of-movement strategies. Weight loss can alleviate excess strain placed on the hips and knees and reduce pain. Braces, sleeves and orthotics may help reduce pain and joint stiffness when directed properly through a specialist.

Medications: Many medications are geared around reducing inflammation and pain and include over-the-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Topical NSAIDs may be tried, and these can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects from oral medications. OARSI also found that the antidepressant duloxetine may help with chronic knee pain.

Injections: The Arthritis Foundation says that some doctors can inject corticosteroid compounds directly into affected joints. Use of hyaluronic acid injections can supplement the natural substance that gives joint fluid its lubrication and viscosity. These injections may help relieve pain and improve mobility.

Surgery: In cases when the aforementioned treatments are unsuccessful, doctors may suggest surgery. The Arthritis Foundation says joint lavage and arthroscopic debridement, which involve flushing the joint with a sterile saline solution and the surgical removal of tissue fragments from the joint, are controversial but may help some people achieve short-term relief. Partial knee replacement may be another option that offers a similar improvement in function, but fewer complications than a total knee replacement.

Osteoarthritis in the knee can be painful and restrictive. Working with a qualified doctor, individuals can develop a treatment plan that works for their specific conditions.

35

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There is a great deal of difference between restoring and repairing. Functionality may be achieved by a repair, but restoring an item properly is an art-form, as is done by the professionals at Bix Furniture Restoration located in Williston Park. Finishes might be stripped and redone, but it is essential that the original patina is retained, if possible. The best technique for stripping is by hand, which is the way owner Bob Leary, Jr. prefers to do it.

Poor restoration is the bane of a trained restorer. Often with antique restoration, there are also other issues as well.

Therefore, restoration of valuable objects should always be left to professionals who are sensitive to all of the issues, ensuring that a piece retains or increases its beauty after restoration.

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36 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018

Fat-freezing techniques ‘heating’ up the tubes around to target certain fat deposits. Although newer techniques, including using various anesthetics, have been introduced to make liposuction more comfortable, swelling, bruising and pain as well as fluid drainage from the incision sites may result.

Fat freezing, which is primarily known by the name CoolSculpting®, is a Food and Drug Administrationcleared, nonsurgical procedure that helps to eliminate fat. The company states that it uses controlled cooling to eliminate fat that resists the effort of diet and exercise.

Freezing fat cells may be a way to achieve a slimmer physique without the need for surgery.

F

at freezing is billed as a treatment that can eliminate people’s fat cells in predominately troublesome areas of the body to create a slim physique.

Also known as cryolipolysis, this noninvasive procedure is attracting a growing number of people interested in reshaping areas of their bodies without the need for going under the knife.

Liposuction has traditionally been one of the more popular procedures for removing excess fat and helping to mold the body. WebMD says liposuction removes fat using suction. A small, thick, blunt-tipped cannula is inserted through tiny cuts in the skin. Fat is then vacuumed out through these tubes as the doctor moves

The concept of fat freezing actually started with a popular dessert. Scientists at Harvard University discovered that some children who ate popsicles ended up with dimples in their cheeks. Doctors Dieter Manstein and R. Rox Anderson later concluded that the popsicles froze and eliminated small pockets of fat cells without damaging skin or surrounding tissue. This was the science behind cryolipolysis.

The doctors developed a system to deliver precisely controlled cooling to target fat cells under the skin. The crystalized cells die and are naturally eliminated from the body through time.

Dermatologists and medical spas are increasingly offering fat-freezing services to their clients. Many people are attracted to CoolSculpting because it doesn’t require surgery.

According to Zeltiq Aesthetics, the original parent company of the CoolSculpting technology, the FDA found the procedures offered “clinically meaningful” changes in 60 patients after treatment for the reduction of love handles. Six months after treatment, ultrasound measurements found an average 19 percent reduction of the targeted fat layer.

During a roughly one-hour treatment session, a vacuum device pulls on fat bulges and exposes the fat to cold. It may take several treatments to achieve desired results, and decreases in fat do not immediately occur, but can be seen two to four months later, on average. Treatments are not covered by insurance and can range from $750 to $2,000 per area.

Currently, there are no safety concerns, but the technology is still very new and there are no long-term study results. Side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity, offers CoolSculpting. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, CoolSculpting accounted for almost half of all body-sculpting treatments in 2016.

Freezing fat cells is another way that people may be able to rid themselves of stubborn, unwanted fat.

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38 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018

Embracing germs: They’re not all bad

G

erms have gotten a somewhat undeserved reputation. For decades, people have done what they can to avoid these unseemly organisms, thinking that exposure to germs is the single-best way to get and remain sick. Certainly there are germs that a person would be wise to avoid. However, not all germs must be avoided.

Germs are tiny organisms that can enter the body through open cuts, the mouth, the nose, and the eyes. Germs are found all over the world. The four main types of germs include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Bacteria are a type of germ that often get a bad rap but actually may have benefits that outweigh their negatives.

Bacteria are tiny, one-celled creatures that get nutrients from their environments to live. In some instances, that environment is the human body. Bacteria can reproduce inside and outside of the body. While bacteria that cause repeated infections might be considered bad, there actually are a host of good bacteria. Such bacteria help people digest food and protect against gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea.

Some bacteria may help people fight off illnesses caused by other bacteria or viruses, says research published in the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology. Beneficial bacteria may help stimulate the immune system so that the body is better able to fight off diseases naturally.

People frequently overlook good bacteria in an effort to eradicate bad bacteria, and that can have serious detriments.

Unfortunately, the “antibacterial” products available for cleaning and

medicines used for treating bacterial illnesses do not discriminate between good and bad germs. They simply eradicate them all. Heathline says that this can create an imbalance of bacteria in the body that may lead to harmful bacteria taking over. Harmful bacteria also may evolve to resist common treatments because of the overuse of antibacterial and antimicrobial medicines and products.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that antimicrobial agents have been used for the last 70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases. Although they’ve helped treat illnesses, these drugs have enabled the organisms they’re meant to destroy to adapt to them, making the drugs less effective. Some bacteria are even resistant to certain antibacterial drugs. The CDC says each year in the United States at least two million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics — with at least 23,000 people dying as a result of these infections.

Various medical sources urge that regular handwashing with plain soap is enough for cleansing. Consuming foods with naturally occurring helpful organisms, such as yogurt, chocolate, feta cheese, pickles, and dark chocolate, can help increase the levels of good bacteria in the body. Taking a probiotic supplement also may help, although researchers at the Cleveland Clinic report that there is not enough proof to say for sure.

People should speak with their doctors before taking probiotics or other steps to increase bacteria to make sure they are a wise decision for each individual.

Fruits and vegetables may lower risk of PAD

P

ain in the lower extremities may be indicative of a condition called peripheral artery disease, or PAD. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, head and organs, contributing to atherosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries. Blocked blood flow and eventual limited oxygen supply to these areas can cause pain and numbness. When severe enough, PAD may lead to tissue death.

Discomfort due to PAD usually occurs when a person is walking or exercising, because the muscles are not getting enough blood during these activities to meet their needs, says the American Heart Association. Those with diabetes may confuse pain with neuropathy, and the elderly may think pain from PAD is a normal sign of aging and stiffness.

fects an estimated 8.5 million people in the United States alone. Researchers examined dietary data from roughly 3.7 million men and women, with an average age of 65. Approximately 6.3 percent of the subjects had PAD, and 29.2 percent indicated they ate three or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The discovery was those who reported eating three or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables had an 18 percent lower risk of PAD than those who reported eating less of these foods. The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and lower PAD risk remained even after accounting for age, gender, race, smoking status, and various cardiovascular risk factors.

When undiagnosed, PAD can lead to further complications, including increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Even amputation of a limb may be necessary. However, PAD is preventable when taking a few steps to improve diet.

Saturated fats, trans-fats and sodium can contribute to the formation of plaques that lead to PAD. Replacing these foods with more vegetables and fruits that are naturally lower in saturated fats can help, as can increasing dietary fiber consumption. One way to incorporate these types of foods is to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, which offers high proportions of legumes, fruits, vegetables; moderate amounts of fish and dairy; and limited meat and meat products.

According to new research published by the American Heart Association, eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing PAD, which af-

Peripheral artery disease can be a warning sign of cardiovascular trouble. Altering one’s diet may help naturally prevent or treat this condition.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

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40 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 23, 2018

How to avoid muscle soreness

M

uscle soreness can affect people from all walks of life. While exercise enthusiasts who work out several times per week may feel like they should be immune to muscle soreness, this potentially painful condition that can adversely affect quality of life can fell even the most ardent fitness fanatic.

Those who find themselves routinely battling muscle soreness can employ the following tactics to feel better and enjoy the fruits of their labors in the gym.

Listen to your body. Daily exercise can greatly benefit long-term health, but it’s important that men and women listen to their bodies, paying attention to any signs that it might be time for a break. Each person is different, but exercise aficionados who recognize any abnormal signs such as unexplained fatigue or cramps may need to take a day off. Bodies need time to recover after a workout.

Get adequate sleep. Getting enough sleep provides recovery time. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. The NSF recommends adults 65 and older get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.

Don’t overdo it. Pushing a body too hard increases a person’s risk of injury or illness. Muscles that are overtaxed will very likely begin to feel a type of pain known as delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. The American College of Sports Medicine notes that any type of activity that places unaccustomed loads on muscle may lead to DOMS, but activities such as strength training exercises, walking down hills, jogging, step aerobics, and jumping are known examples of contributors to DOMS. Such activities should not necessarily be avoided, but it’s important that men and women not push themselves to the point of overexertion when performing them.

What is seborrheic keratosis?

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Stay hydrated. Muscle soreness may appear if men and women are not drinking enough water before, during or after their workouts. A dehydrated body’s muscles do not have enough electrolytes, and that can be contributing to the feelings of soreness some exercise enthusiasts feel. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle along to the gym when working out.

Seborrheic keratoses, or SKs, are one of the most common noncancerous skin growths, says The Mayo Clinic. Although anyone can get them, they are more common in middle-aged to older adults.

Also known as basal cell papilloma, senile warts or barnacles, these growths form as a common sign of skin aging, according to DermNet New Zealand.

Muscle soreness can be painful and difficult to deal with. But the solution to address such soreness is oftentimes very simple.

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hanks to education and awareness about skin cancer, more people are taking heed of skin growths and changes and visiting their dermatologists.

A spot or mole on the body can be a cause for concern. A seborrheic keratosis is one such type of skin growth that is actually benign but may cause concern due to its appearance.

ment therapy or as a result of other medical problems.

Appearance of SKs

Some of these growths have a warty, rough surface, while others look like dabs of warm, brown candle wax on the skin.

ADA says they can range in color from white to black, but most are tan or brown.

The appearance of SKs may change as one ages, and it is even possible for them to fall off naturally over time. The Mayo Clinic says that, unless changes include becoming sore or bleeding without healing, there’s little need to act. SKs may form singularly, but often they appear in groups.

Cancer risk?

The American Academy of Dermatology says a seborrheic keratosis may seem worrisome because it can look like a wart, a pre-cancerous skin growth or even skin cancer. However, despite their appearance, SKs are harmless.

SKs have no relationship to skin cancer and do not pose a risk to one’s health.

Unlike moles, they will not turn into melanoma. The superficial nature of SKs mean they can become irritated by clothing and grow.

How do SKs form?

Treatment Seborrheic means “greasy” and keratosis means “thickening of the skin.” Despite the name, SKs are not known to be caused by an abundance of sebum in the skin, nor are they limited to areas of increased oil production. The exact cause of SKs isn’t known, but some doctors feel that an overproduction of skin cells can cause a thickening of the skin in certain areas. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology offers that SKs are most likely hereditary, and they often are found on the trunk of the body and where the face meets the scalp. Sometimes seborrheic keratoses may erupt during pregnancy, following hormone replace-

Unless a seborrheic keratosis is in an area that causes constant irritation, there is really no need to seek treatment.

However, dermatologists can remove them quite easily if they are unsightly or uncomfortable. A topical anesthetic, cryosurgery or laser therapy is possible.

Generally little scarring is produced, offers AOCD. Although SKs are harmless, their appearance may be similar to skin conditions that are not. Those who are unsure about changes to the skin should always seek the help of a licensed dermatologist.

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