Mole vs. Lentigo: Dermatologist Sets the Difference Straight
Common mole: very close-up view
Think that a lentigo is the same as a mole (nevus)?
I’ve been told they are, and aren’t, by two different dermatologists.
“Lentigos are superficial tan to brown flat spots on the skin which are often secondary to ultraviolet exposure and will occur on sun exposed areas,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
“They are formed by an increase in the number of melanocytes in the base of the epidermis.
“Because of the superficial nature of lentigos they are also easier to remove with laser treatments, and lightening is also possible with creams and chemical peels.
“A melanocytic nevus or mole is usually a darker spot, and will often be raised.
“It is composed of nests of melanocytes which are clustered together and they occur at the base of the epidermis and will extend deeper into the dermis.
“The deeper component to a mole is what makes it difficult to remove superficially without regrowth of the mole occurring.”
Keep in mind that moles can be light brown or tan, and that sometimes, a lentigo can be more like a milk chocolate color.
But Dr. Kally does explain that there’s a difference between these two types of pigmented lesions.
Lentigo: very closeup view
What you see on your leg that looks like a common mole may actually be a lentigo, or vice versa.
It’s not all that uncommon for a person over the age of 40 to acquire new lentigos, but they may appear to a dermatologist to be moles.
A biopsy will distinguish one from the other.
A new lentigo or mole, by the way, in middle age, is nothing to be alarmed about.
However, if you notice a new spot, have a dermatologist check it, and include it in your monthly self-skin exams for any signs of evolution: dynamic changes over a period of several months; fast increase in size (especially if asymmetrical); reds or maroons in it; portions turning black; development of crusting or bleeding.
Here is a second dermatologist’s explanation of the difference between a mole and a lentigo.
Dr. Papantoniou
is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Loosened Mole Looks Like It Can Be Flicked Off
Is a loosened mole that looks like it can be flicked off melanoma or benign?
“This could be a true ‘mole,’ which means it is made of melanocytes, or it could be a vascular growth such as an angioma, or even a skin tag or seborrheic keratosis [image above],” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD,with Simply Dermatology in NY.
• Melanocytes are the cells that give a mole its pigment.
• An angioma is a benign concentration of extremely tiny blood vessels.
• A seborrheic keratosis is a harmless skin barnacle.
If something on your skin looks like a mole, as well as appears that it could be flicked or peeled off, it’s most likely a seborrheic keratosis and very unlikely to be a melanoma.
In fact, it’s possible for a seborrheic keratosis to be picked off—but don’t do it.
An actual mole cannot be readily picked off, even if it’s elevated and “catches” on a fingernail. Never try to pick off a mole or any spot on your skin.
Melanoma can grow inside a seborrheic keratosis but is not part of this benign skin barnacle.
Rather, if a melanoma is there, it’s just a coincidence that the cancer is growing in or very near the barnacle.
“If you have a growth that you are concerned about that has changed and is traumatized or appears like it can be easily flicked off, I would suggest having a dermatologist evaluate,” say Dr. Kally.
“It is always safer to be cautious; you don’t want to misdiagnose a malignancy, and if it is traumatized at home it could potentially become infected.
“Removing a growth like this is very simple and comfortable to do; most patients barely even feel the pinch from the anesthetic.”
Moles are not meant to be flicked or picked off.
Dr. Papantoniou is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Why Do Light Plucked Eyebrow Hairs Have Dark Roots?
There’s a simple reason why light eyebrow hairs that are plucked have dark roots.
“The root or bulb of the follicular unit has the highest concentration of melanocytes,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
“These are the cells that produce pigment and contribute to the color of hair and skin.
“The hair shaft may be light in color, but the roots of the hair follicle will usually be darker.
“This is why lasers work for hair removal; they are targeting the darker pigment at the roots which destructs [sic] the germinal center and prevents further hair growth.
“This same principle is why laser hair removal is not successful in those with white hairs or very light blonde hair.”
Dr. Papantoniou is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/photographyfirm
Flaky Dry Patches on Forehead: Causes, Solutions
A flaky dry patch on your forehead might be a precursor to skin cancer, says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
But it can also be a benign condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
Precursor to Skin Cancer: Flaky Dry Patch on Forehead
The forehead can get a lot of sun in a person’s first 18 years of life.
“Flaky dry patches on the forehead can be from chronic sun damage which occurred many years ago, and these look like skin colored to pink or brown rough patches that feel like sand paper,” explains Dr. Kally.
“These are called actinic keratoses, which occur from precancerous changes, and should not be ignored because 1 percent or more may progress to a skin cancer.”
But not melanoma. The type of cancer that an AK can morph into is called squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma. Shutterstock/Dermatology11
The good news is that AKs grow very slowly, and most SCCs grow slowly, too, though if left untreated, will spread to other sites in the body and can be fatal.
Estimates for what percentage of untreated AKs transform into malignancies vary, but the estimated figure never exceeds 10 percent.
Actinic keratoses
A dermatologist may diagnose an actinic keratosis simply by rubbing a fingertip over it to detect its classic sandpaper feel.
The actinic keratoses that you get at age 45 were probably set in motion during childhood sun exposure.
AKs “can be prevented with regular use of sunscreen and photoprotection, and can be treated with cryotherapy [liquid nitrogen spray], creams and light treatments,” says Dr. Kally.
Benign Cause of Flay Dry Patch on Forehead
As mentioned, condition called seborrheic dermatitis can cause a patch on the forehead that’s flaky and that seems dry.
I myself had one of these, between the eyebrows where the skin is oilier.
One big difference between seborrheic dermatitis and actinic keratosis is that the former typically itches or has a slight burning or stinging to it — especially if it’s on the nose or nostrils.
Another sign that points to seborrheic dermatitis is that it flakes much more than an AK.
Finally, a seborrheic dermatitis flare will often have a vague orange or salmon colored tinge to it, while an AK usually is on the spectrum of pure pink or light magenta.
Do not self-diagnose your dry flaky forehead patch. A dermatologist can easily do this.
Dr. Papantoniou is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Image Point Fr
Sudden 10-Second Head Rush for NO Reason?
A sudden brief 10-second “head rush” has to have a reason!
This is not to be confused with what many people refer to as dizziness.
A head rush and dizziness are not one and the same.
Dizziness is what you feel after you’ve spun around or if you have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
The head rush suddenly comes on for no apparent reason and lasts about 10 seconds, maybe more, maybe less.
There are no other symptoms, no visual disturbance, balance problems, tremoring, numbness, tingling, weakness, headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, chest pain or sweating.
The head rush is something that makes you think, “Whoa! What just happened?!” or “What was THAT?!”
It may be described as a heaviness unfolding within the head.
It can happen while you’re seated or slowly walking; there’s no pattern.
The sensation is evenly distributed within the head, and is not the so-called faint feeling; the room does not start to “black out.”
The elevated heart rate that comes after is from the fear that something is very wrong with your body—of what’s going to happen next.
Causes of Brief, Sudden Head Rush
“I can’t claim to have any professional (or personal) experience with this symptom,” begins David D. Clarke, MD, President, Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (stressillness.com), Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus, Oregon Health & Science University, and author of “They Can’t Find Anything Wrong.”
Dr. Clarke specializes in physical symptoms that result from stress.
“Because of the brevity of the symptom I suspect it involves a change in blood vessel diameter followed rapidly by a return to normal.
“Because vision is not affected it is more likely to be dilation of the blood vessels than constriction.
“Because you describe the symptom as ‘very scary’ for people it is most likely caused by anxiety.
“Increased anxiety can be triggered by subconscious processes that may or may not be linked to events current in the patient’s environment.
“Panic attacks, for example, are a form of anxiety that can occur at any time and usually have no obvious trigger, though this symptom is not a panic attack.
“Without detailed interviews of the patients suffering from this symptom I can’t say much more about it than this, which is speculation.”
If you’ve ever experienced a brief sudden head rush that frightened you, share your experience in the comments box below this post.
If this article provided you with helpful information or reassurance, please consider supporting my work through Ko-fi. Donations help me continue writing detailed medical content that’s easy to understand.
Since 1983 Dr. Clarke has successfully cared for over 7,000 patients with stress illness.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Excessive Groin Sweating: Causes & Solutions
Excessive groin sweating doesn’t just affect overweight people.
Even a thinner person could suffer from excessive groin sweating.
But being overweight does bring with it unique factors that lead to a lot of perspiration in this area.
Groin Sweating a Problem for Thin People Too, but Being Overweight Is a Risk Factor
“Sweating in the skin folds and groin area can be bothersome and more common in those who are overweight,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
“This can lead to chaffing, and infections with yeast which can be itchy and burn,” continues Dr. Kally.
“The best solution if someone is overweight is to try to eat healthy and increase the activity level.
“Wearing undergarments such a fitted shorts or spanx may help prevent skin from touching skin and help to keep these areas dry.
“Another option is to apply an antiperspirant spray or stick to these areas after patting the area as dry as possible.
“Powders which are talc free may also be beneficial. If these tips are not helpful, see your dermatologist for prescription treatments.”
What can also help for women (regardless of weight) who have excessive sweating in the groin is to trim their pubic hair.
Otherwise, the perspiration will get on the hair and cause matting.
How to Lose Weight: Listen to Science, not Fads
- Ditch the crunch marathons for 30 minutes of high intensity interval training on your favorite cardio equipment.
- Do fewer biceps curls and triceps kickbacks and more bench pressing, shoulder pressing and rowing movements (not aerobic rowing but dumbbell or resistance-machine rowing).
- Include the squat and deadlift into your program.
You’ll find that losing weight will help improve the situation of excessive groin sweating.
Dr. Papantoniou is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: ©Lorra Garrick
“Because I Said So” Ruins Parent’s Credibility with Kids
If you’re a “Because I said so!” parent, you’d better rethink this credibility-destroying approach with your kids.
When you say “Because I said so!” to your grade school, adolescent or teen child, who asks “But why?” when you dictate an order, here’s what happens:
• You come across as ignorant. Your child might assume that your curt response is an attempt to avoid answering a question you don’t know the answer to.
• You send the message that you don’t value your child enough to take the time to explain the “Why.”
• You come across as impatient, rude and only interested in being in charge.
• Your child doesn’t learn anything—which means that once they’re on their own, they will lack a full understanding of the “Why.” Don’t assume that once they’re older, they’ll understand.
A perfect example is the don’t-talk-to-strangers rule. A young child may pester you with “But whyyyy?”
A full explanation is in order. Don’t assume your child will automatically develop an understanding of the “Why?” once they reach a certain age.
After all, how many times have we heard about an ADULT who gets suckered into going off with a stranger, accepting a ride from a stranger or offering a ride to a pleading stranger—only to end up raped or murdered by that stranger?
“Because I said so” eliminates a teaching moment that can actually be quite gratifying for the parent—and child—if the parent would just take a few deep breaths and change their perspective. An inquiring child isn’t exactly dumb.
If you’re raising your children with the “Because I said so!” approach, you may end up with ignorant kids who mindlessly follow rules.
Now this may be exactly what you want: a child who follows rules without challenging them.
But here’s the problem: What if the rule-maker is unhinged? I don’t mean you, the parent.
But what if this child, now a teenager or young adult, is in the workforce, and their bully of a boss senses that your child will mindlessly follow orders without question?
This bully will take advantage of the employee; the young worker has been groomed never to “question authority.”
Your child isn’t questioning YOU when they ask why.
They simply would like an explanation. It’s not that they don’t trust you. In fact, if they didn’t trust you, they wouldn’t be asking YOU for the answer!
“Because I said so” leaves kids with no tools to effectively navigate the dog-eat-dog world once they are grown.
Some parents use this phrase because they believe there’s no time, at the moment, to explain things.
But these same parents don’t exactly follow up with the answer later on when there IS time.
How about, “Right now I’m in a hurry; I’ll tell you ‘why’ later when I can sit down and have more time with you.” Unfortunately, this isn’t simple enough for many parents.
And of course, often, when parents dish out the “Because I said so!” they have all the time in the world at that moment. And their child knows that. This wrecks your credibility with your child.
Do you really think they will come to you for life advice if you keep sending out the message that:
1) They’re not important enough to you to take the time to explain something, and/or
2) You’re ignorant and more interested in belting out orders to show who’s boss than in educating your child?
Doggone it, if your child wants to know why he can’t wade in grimy one-foot-deep water, then TELL HIM WHY.
No child admires the parent who snaps, “Because I said so!” You will not be a hero in their eyes. You will not be a role model. You’ll come across as ignorant and self-centered.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Freepik.com
Do Butterfly Rashes Come & Go? Doctor Explains
“The classic butterfly rash of lupus is not something that comes and goes overnight,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
“It tends to be persistent and will occur out of proportion to the degree of sun exposure experienced.
“If you think you may have a butterfly rash seek a dermatologic evaluation, and if you cannot get in soon, I encourage taking your own photos.
“There are so many times in which a patient’s photographs are very helpful in making the correct diagnosis, as by the time you get into the office it is not unusual for the condition to be inactive.”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease; there is currently no cure, and the precise cause is not known.
With this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage to organs such as the skin, joints, kidneys and heart.
Though its exact cause remains unclear, it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors.
It can affect the body in many ways, but the classic sign is the butterfly rash.
However, other conditions can cause a rash that might be described as shaped like a butterfly.
By coincidence, for example, very slowly evolving patches of actinic keratosis can take on the appearance of a butterfly rash. So can rosacea, another skin condition.
Dr. Papantoniou is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: CNX OpenStax, CreativeCommons
Your Seborrheic Dermatitis Won’t Respond to Nizoral?
If your seborrheic dermatitis has stopped responding to Nizoral, here are solutions.
Or, to put it another way, has the Nizoral lost steam in treatment of your seborrheic dermatitis?
“It is actually very common for medicated shampoos to lose their effectiveness over time,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
“The best way to prevent this and maintain an itch-free clear scalp is to alternate between several medicated shampoos containing ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, sulfur, ketoconazole, and possibly even a salicylic acid or tar based shampoo.”
For example, Selsun Blue contains salicylic acid and can effectively rid patches of seborrheic dermatitis on the face as well as scalp.
Just dab it on (no need to rub it in) the affected area, leave on for a few seconds, then pat it off with a wet rag or sponge.
Do not rub. It can be gooey to remove; do so with patience.
Use a Q-tip swab to clean up any remaining Selsun Blue (or whatever treatment you’re using) that’s around your nose.
Dr. Kally continues, “The idea is to wash your hair daily, allow the shampoo to sit on your scalp about five minutes, and to use different shampoos on alternate days.
“Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when the balance of skin’s pH and oil production creates an environment where yeast overgrow which leads to itching and flaking of skin cells.”
These patches can sometimes look like actinic keratosis (sun damage consisting of precancerous cells), but one of the tell-tale signs of seborrheic keratosis is that it usually has a salmon-colored or orange-dark-pink tinge to it.
Flaking is also a dead giveaway, though many times, a patch on the face won’t flake much.
Seborrheic keratoses may itch to the point where the patient aggressively scratches, making it worse.
No matter what you do — do not scratch these patches.
Seborrheic dermatitis patch on the forehead
Dr. Papantoniou is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Dermatology11
Why Does Being Tired Make Your Skin Itch?
If you’re skin itches like mad when you are tired, here’s the reason!
It’s aggravating: Every time you get tired your skin itches and drives you batty. Just what is going on?
“It is no coincidence that we become itchier at the end of the day when you are tired, and this is due to the body’s circadian rhythm,” says Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
Dr. Kally explains, “The body produces its own cortisol [a hormone], which is at its highest first thing in the morning and is at its lowest in the evening.
“When the cortisol level lowers we experience worsening pain, higher fevers, itchier rashes, and that is all because of the lessened anti-inflammatory effect of innate cortisol as the levels in our bodies decreases.
“We also become itchier when we are stressed or anxious or overtired, and this can manifest as a flare-up of eczema and other skin conditions such as psoriasis.”
So what is the solution?
How can you prevent itchy skin? After all, getting tired may be difficult to prevent.
Well, one thing you can help manage is the bad combination of stress and fatigue or feeling tired.
You can work on trying to manage your stress levels and anxiety, and work on removing yourself from stressful situations whenever possible.
You should also increase your water intake, as the skin loves being hydrated.
If you drink a lot of soda, you’ll definitely want to cut way back and replace with water.
Start by drinking only water with your meals.
When thirsty, make a new habit of heading straight for water instead of soda, even sugar-free soda.
Bring along a thermos of water whenever you go out.
To make water more inviting, add a lemon wedge.
All of these measures should help alleviate the itching.