Weird Stuff

Redlands Daily Facts Health Section
Staff Writer, May 6, 2009

Q:: am a So Cal Gal who lives in the sun. Now I am paying for it. I am wrinkled, leathery, have brown spots, and even some weird stuff that I don't know what it is. Help!

Mimi: Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, brown spots and "weird stuff." Although much of the sun damage is done early in our lives, the visible damage shows up later in life. If you are young and want to know how your skin will look in 20 years, call your skin care specialist. Ask to look at your skin in an UV Wood's Lamp Skin Scanner. You will be horrified and amazed.

Sun damage can cause oversized pores that often fill with old oil and become black heads. These are prevalent in people who work outside or in sportsmen. It is most common in men and most prevalent around the outside corners of the eyes and the upper cheeks. Treat like blackheads, and be faithful in using sun block and wearing a hat. Refer to the previous column on blackheads. Contact for past columns is at the bottom of this article.

Look carefully at any "funny looking spots." If a spot is bumpy and glossy, it must be checked by an M.D. If it is dark brown or black and has an irregular edge, it must be checked by an M.D. If a spot doesn't heal, have it looked at.

Sun damage can cause Actinic Keratosis or Solar Keratosis (sometimes call Senile Keratosis, but I hate that term). These are usually flat, tan skin bumps with irregular edges. Often they have a bumpy surface and are frequently flaky. Usually they are benign and many doctors advise just leaving them alone. Other doctors will burn them off with liquid nitrogen or an electric needle. They are mostly cosmetic, but it is a good idea to have an MD check out anything "funny" on your skin. Some people find that applying Alpha Hydroxy Acid to an Actinic Keratosis every day will make it go away. Other people find that applying a thick moisturizer or even Vaseline at night on the Keratosis helps it be less flaky during the day so make-up can be worn.

Often people develop little bumps that are crusty. These are usually from sun damage and appear on the upper back, legs, and arms. If the bumps are less than the size of a pencil eraser, you may be able to remove them at home. Soak in the bathtub until the crustiness gives way to a mushy texture. Then scrub off the spot with a loofah, nylon bath scrubby, or a Turkish Microdermamitt. There may be a spot of blood when the spot lifts off, but there shouldn't be any real bleeding. This same technique can be used for Keratosis. But be more cautious. Do not pick and dig. Just soak and scrub. If the spots don't lift, then leave them alone.

To prevent further sun damage, wear protective clothing including a hat when you go out. Avoid the sun between 11 am and 3 pm. ALWAYS wear sun block. Follow a diet high in anti-oxidants. Take a pomegranate supplement.

Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands. Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations, (909) 793-9080.