Wednesday, September 2, 2009

What's Up Doc? 9/3/09

My granddaughter, who is 16, is having trouble keeping her skin clear from breakouts. I know it’s common for teenagers, and even adults, to deal with this. I wonder if the amount and the type of makeup she uses to cover up the blemishes is actually making it worse?

Hormones and oil production are in over-drive during the teen years and the combination of the two results in breakouts. You’re right that too much makeup can aggravate the problem. A good makeup option is often mineral makeup because it contains natural ingredients that generally do well on most skin types, including sensitive skin. Using a small amount is best and it’s very important to remove the makeup every night. Most people tend to aggravate acne by scrubbing too hard, covering with too much makeup, and not cleansing properly.
Maureen Olivier, MD, dermatologist with The Clinic

I’m a 29-year-old-woman just diagnosed with osteoporosis. I thought only older people had this disease; are there many young women with it?
At this time, two percent of college-age women already have osteoporosis. Fifteen percent have sustained significant losses in bone density and are well on their way to developing the disease. A common method of birth control, Depo-Provera, is associated with significant bone loss, and low body weight is also a contributing factor for osteoporosis in young women. Some young women are at greater risk than others for brittle bones, depending on estrogen levels and other factors.
Geoffrey Collins, MD, orthopedic surgeon with the Center for Orthopaedics

I’m noticing changes in my mother’s behavior. She doesn’t seem interested in her usual activities. She is physically able to participate, but she just doesn’t want to. I worry about her; she’s 71. Should I intervene or just let her sit alone?
Changes in appearance and behavior can mean a number of things. It could signal the need for a checkup and possibly an adjustment in medication; she may be depressed or forgetful. An aging family member may say they are doing just fine, but your observations raise some red flags. I’d suggest going with your mother for a checkup and then discussing your concerns with her doctor.
Amanda LaComb, MD, family medicine physician, medical staff of Jennings American Legion Hospital

I’m having cataract surgery next month. How long does the artificial lens last? Will it have to be replaced at some point? Also, will my vision deteriorate over time or stay the same?
In cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the clouded lens from your eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens. This lens is very durable and should last for the rest of your life. If a traditional lens implant is used, you may require glasses for reading or working at near distances after surgery. However, new options in premium lens plants can correct existing nearsightedness and farsightedness, allowing many people see clearly without glasses of any kind after surgery. Your vision after cataract surgery generally doesn't deteriorate over time. However, sometimes the lens capsule that holds the implant becomes cloudy. In such cases, the cloudy capsule can easily be treated with a laser to make it clear again.
A.J. O’Byrne, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic

No comments:

Post a Comment