Skin and Hair Health 305

Skin and Hair Health

How our skin and hair look is important to many of us. At the 

same time, your skin and hair are organs that do special jobs 

that support life. Skin protects your inside organs from injury, 

bacteria, and viruses. Your skin, hair, and sweat glands help 

control body temperature. Body hair also alerts you to heat and 

touch. You can take steps to keep your skin and hair healthy. 

You can also look to your skin and hair for clues to your overall 

health. And, as a bonus, good skin and hair care will help you to 

feel your best, too.

Caring for your skin and hair

Good skin and hair care involves:

l	 eating a variety of healthy foods rich 

in vitamins and nutrients

l	 keeping physically active

l	 managing stress

l	 practicing sun safety

l	 limiting alcohol

l	 not using tobacco and other 

recreational drugs

l	 drinking plenty of water

Unhealthy behaviors can take a toll on 

skin and hair. For instance, habits like 

smoking and sunbathing dry out skin 

and cause wrinkles. 

Caring for your skin

Follow this simple skin care routine to 

keep your skin healthy and radiant:

l	 Bathe in warm—not hot—water using 

mild cleansers that don’t irritate. Wash 

gently—don’t scrub.

l	 Keep skin from drying out by drinking 

plenty of water and using gentle moisturizers, lotions, or creams.
306 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for all Ages

l	 Practice sun safety to prevent skin 

cancer. Sun exposure puts you at greater risk of skin cancer, whatever your 

skin color or ethnicity. To protect your 

skin:

 • Limit exposure to the midday sun 

(10 am-4 pm).

 • Wear protective clothing, such 

as wide-brimmed hats and long 

sleeves.

 • Use sunscreen with a sun protection 

factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and with 

both UVA and UVB protection.

 • Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths.

l	 Check your skin for sun damage. Tell 

your doctor about changes on the 

skin, such as a new growth, a sore that 

Age Spots

Years of sun exposure can cause flat, 

brown spots called “liver” or age spots 

to appear on your face, hands, arms, 

back, and feet. They are not harmful. 

But if the look of age spots bothers 

you, ask your doctor about skin-lightening creams, laser therapy, and cryotherapy (freezing). Use sunscreen to 

prevent more age spots.

doesn’t heal, or a change in an old 

growth. Ask your doctor how often 

you should have a clinical skin exam 

to check for signs of skin cancer. (See 

pages 53 and 54 of the Cancer chapter 

for more information.)

l	 Ask your doctor if the medicines you 

are taking can affect your skin. For instance, blood thinners and aspirin can 

cause you to bruise more easily. Some 

antibiotics and vitamins make skin 

sunburn more easily.

Skin and hair: Clues to overall 

health

Healthy skin and hair are signs of good 

overall health. Some skin and hair 

changes can signal a health problem. For 

instance, a “butterfly” rash on your face 

can be a sign of lupus. Distinct rashes 

appear with some viruses, such as the 

measles and chicken pox. An allergic 

reaction can cause hives, redness, and 

itching. Diabetes and thyroid disease can 

cause hair loss. Knowing how your skin 

and hair normally look and feel will help 

you notice changes to ask your doctor 

about.
Skin and Hair Health 307

Nail Health

Healthy fingernails and toenails are 

smooth, with an even color. Keep your 

nails clean, dry, and trimmed to prevent ingrown nails. If you wear artificial 

(fake) nails, check around the base 

and sides of the nails for redness, 

pain, and infection. Bacteria and fungus can grow between the artificial nail 

and your natural nail. Tell your doctor 

if you notice nail changes, which also 

could be the result of health problems, 

such as diabetes or heart disease.

Common skin complaints

Sensitive skin

Women with sensitive skin may have 

itching, burning, stinging, or tightness 

after using products such as soaps or 

makeup. Women of color are more prone 

to sensitive skin. Look for products made 

for sensitive skin. Talk with your doctor 

if these products don’t help.

Pimples (acne)

Pimples form when hair follicles under 

your skin clog up. Although most common in the teen years, many women get 

pimples into their 50s. Acne also is common during pregnancy and menopause, 

when hormones are changing. Medicines, such as birth control pills, can also 

lead to breakouts.

The cause of acne is unclear. We do 

know that dirt, stress, and foods do not 

cause acne. But stress and certain foods, 

such as chocolate or greasy foods, can 

make acne worse. Acne also appears to 

run in some families.

To care for acne, use mild soaps, avoid 

touching your skin, and wear oil-free 

makeup. Your doctor may also suggest an 

acne medicine. If so, ask about the side 

effects. Do not take isotretinoin (eyesoh-trih-TIN-oh-in) (Accutane®) if you 

are pregnant or trying to get pregnant—

it can hurt your baby.

Dry skin 

Skin can dry out and become rough, 

scaly, and itchy for a number of reasons. 

Dry skin (xerosis, zih-ROH-suhss) can 

be caused by:

l	 dry air

l	 overuse of soaps, antiperspirants, and 

perfumes
308 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for all Ages

l	 not drinking enough water

l	 stress

l	 smoking

l	 the sun

Doctors report a higher rate of dry skin 

in African Americans. Try the skin care 

routine on pages 305 and 306. If dry 

skin does not improve, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, dry skin signals a health 

problem, such as diabetes or kidney 

disease. 

Cellulite

Cellulite is fat that collects just below 

the surface of your skin, giving it a 

dimpled look. Women of all sizes can 

get it. Once formed, you cannot get rid 

of cellulite. No amount of weight loss, 

exercise, or massage reduces cellulite. Spa 

wraps, creams, and vitamins also do not 

help. Liposuction can make it look even 

worse. To prevent cellulite, try eating 

well, being active, and not smoking.

Stretch marks

Rapid growth and weight gain, such as 

with puberty and pregnancy, can stretch 

your skin, leaving pink, red, or brown 

streaks on your breasts, stomach, hips, 

buttocks, or thighs. Medicines, such as 

cortisones, and health problems, like 

diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome, also can 

cause stretch marks. Creams that claim to 

prevent stretch marks are of little value. 

Yet stretch marks often fade over time.

Skin and Scalp Conditions

Condition Symptoms Possible treatments

Athlete’s foot

Fungal infection

• 

• 

Red, itchy, and cracked skin on the 

toes

Thick, yellow, and crumbly toenails

• 

• 

Antifungal cream 

Wash feet daily, wear clean socks, 

and do not walk barefoot 

Burns • Swelling, blistering, and scarring • Antibiotics 

Tissue damage caused by 

heat, sunlight, electricity, 

chemicals, or radiation

• 

• 

Damage to outer layer of skin, 

which can extend into body tissues

If serious, shock and even death 

• 

• 

Hospital care may be needed

Deep burns with tissue damage 

may require skin grafts

Cellulitis • Hot, painful, or tender skin • Antibiotic cream

Bacterial infection • Tight, glossy look to skin • Clean area with soap and water

• Sudden rash on face or legs • Call your doctor if symptoms worsen 

Cold sores

Fever blisters caused by 

herpes simplex virus

• Tingling, itching, or burning on 

mouth, gums, or lips

• Small, painful blisters filled with 

fluid

May spread by kissing or touching, or 

sharing razors, towels, or dishes

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Medicine to rub on sores

Medicine taken by mouth

Wash sores with soap and water 

Ice sores to reduce pain

Without treatment, sores usually 

heal in 2 weeks

Corns and calluses

Skin layers that thicken 

because of too much rubbing or pressure on the 

same spot

• 

• 

Thick and hardened skin, which 

may be flaky and dry

Usually on hands or feet

• 

• 

• 

Wear shoes that fit 

Wear gloves during weight lifting, 

gardening, and other activities that 

cause pressure

Use a pumice stone to gently rub 

off dead skin
Skin and Hair Health 309

Skin and Scalp Conditions

Condition Symptoms Possible treatments

Dandruff

Chronic scalp disorder 

usually caused by an 

overgrowth of fungus normally found on the scalp

• 

• 

Itchy, scaly scalp

Flakes of dead skin on scalp and 

shoulders

• 

• 

• 

Over-the-counter and prescription 

shampoos 

Manage stress

Don’t use styling products

Eczema (EG-zuh-muh) • Dry and itchy skin • Special skin care routine

Chronic skin condition; 

also called atopic dermatitis (ay-TOP-ihk DUR-muhTEYE-tuhss)

• 

• 

Rashes on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the 

hands and feet

Sometimes, redness, swelling, 

cracking, crusting, and sores that 

seep clear fluid 

• 

• 

• 

Avoid triggers, like perfumes, 

smoke, and stress

Medicine

Light treatment

Head lice

Insects that live on your 

head

• Itchy scalp or tickling feeling in your 

hair

Spreads through head-to-head contact and by touching personal items 

like hats, scarves, and combs

• 

• 

Medicine applied to the scalp 

Wash clothing, combs, bedding, 

and other personal items

Impetigo (im-puh-TEEgoh)

Skin infection caused by 

bacteria, usually staph 

or strep

• Tiny, itchy blisters on face, arms, or 

legs

• Thick, light-brown scabs

May spread through personal contact, 

or by sharing towels, razors, or clothing

• 

• 

• 

• 

Antibacterial cream

Medicines taken by mouth

Wash with antibacterial soap several times a day, gently remove scabs

Use clean washcloth and towel 

each time you wash

Pigment disorders

Darker or lighter area of 

skin; called a “birthmark” 

if present at birth

• 

• 

Skin with too much or too little pigment (color)

Usually on elbows, knuckles, and 

knees

• 

• 

• 

Creams to lighten the skin 

Cosmetics to mask area

Avoid direct sun and use sunscreen

• Bronze color on soles and palms

Psoriasis (suh-REYE-uhsuhss) 

An autoimmune (aw-tohih-MYOON) disease

• 

• 

Thick red patches, covered with 

scales, usually appearing on head, 

elbows, and knees

Itching and pain, which can make 

it hard to sleep, walk, and care for 

yourself

• 

• 

Medicine

Light treatment

Rosacea (roh-ZAY-shuh)

Chronic skin condition; 

more common after 

menopause

• 

• 

Redness and flushness on the face, 

mainly in adults with fair skin

Small red lines under the skin, 

bumps on the skin, and inflamed 

eyes

• 

• 

• 

Green-tinted makeup to hide 

redness

Medicines

Laser surgery

Scabies • Mark that looks like a pencil line • Creams to rub on infected area

Infection caused by a 

type of insect called a 

mite laying eggs beneath 

your skin

• Itchy bites or sores on hands and 

feet

• Pimples on your abdomen

May spread by sharing clothing and 

bedding

• 

• 

• 

Medicines taken by mouth

Cool baths and calamine lotion 

Wash clothing and bedding to reduce spreading
310 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for all Ages

Skin and Scalp Conditions

Condition Symptoms Possible treatments

Shingles

Painful skin rash caused 

by the chicken pox virus

• Rash of raised dots or red blisters

• Small fluid-filled blisters with scabs 

• Shooting pain on one side of your 

body

Most people 60 and older should get 

the one-time-only herpes zoster vaccine, which can prevent shingles. Ask 

your doctor if you can get it.

• Medicines to reduce pain and other 

symptoms

Vitiligo (vit-ihl-EYE-goh)

An autoimmune disease 

(See page 84 of the Autoimmune Diseases chapter for more information.)

• White patches on areas exposed 

to the sun, or on armpits, genitals, 

and rectum

• Hair turns gray early 

• Loss of color inside your mouth

• Steroid creams to rub on patches

• Medicines taken by mouth 

• Light therapy 

• Cosmetics or tattoos to cover 

patches 

• Counseling to cope with changes in 

appearance

Caring for your hair 

Your hair is one of the first things that 

others notice about you. The shape and 

structure of your hair depend on your 

race. For instance, African hair is typically flat with tight curls. Asian hair is 

typically round and thick. Caucasian hair 

may be fine and straight or thick and 

wavy. Natural oils from hair glands also 

affect the look and feel of your hair.

Basic hair care involves a healthy lifestyle 

and proper care. Wash oily hair daily and 

limit how much you touch your hair. For 

dry hair, keep blow-drying time short 

and avoid overstyling, which can lead to 

dryness and breakage. Protecting your 

hair from wind, sun, and chlorine in water also will help to keep it from drying 

out and breaking.
Skin and Hair Health 311

If you color or relax your hair, carefully 

read the product label. Hair dyes and 

relaxers can harm both your skin and 

hair. Talk with your doctor if your skin 

or scalp swells or gets itchy after using 

any hair product. Even natural products, 

such as henna dye, can cause an allergic 

reaction.

Hair disorders

Living with a hair disorder can be hard, 

especially in a culture that views hair as 

a feature of beauty. To cope, try to value 

yourself for who you are—not by how 

you look. Also, play up your best features, which can boost self-esteem. Many 

women with hair disorders also find that 

talking to others with the same problem 

is helpful.

Hair loss

It’s normal to shed about 100 hairs each 

day as old hairs are replaced by new ones

But some women have hair loss—called 

alopecia (AL-uh-PEE-shuh). Hair loss 

can happen for many reasons: 

l	 Female-pattern baldness causes hair to

thin, but rarely leads to total baldness. 

It tends to run in families. 

l	 Alopecia areata (AR-ee-AYT-uh) is 

an autoimmune disease that causes 

patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or 

other areas of your body. 

l	 Hormone changes during and after 

pregnancy.

l	 Underlying health problems, such as 

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or 

thyroid disease.

l	 Certain medicines, such as birth control pills or those to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, or heart problems.

l	 Extreme stress, such as from a major 

illness.

l	 Hairstyles that twist or pull hair.

Whether or not hair will grow back 

depends on the cause of hair loss. Some 

medicines can help speed up the growth 

of new hair. If hair loss is permanent, 

you can try hair weaving or changing 

your hairstyle. Or talk with your doctor 

about other options, such as a hair 

transplant.

Hirsutism 

When dark, thick hair grows on a woman’s face, chest, belly, or back, the condition is called hirsutism (HUR-suh-TIZuhm). Health problems and family genes 

can cause high levels of male hormones, 

which can result in hirsutism. If you are 

overweight, try losing weight, which 

reduces male hormone levels. Consider 

methods for removal of unwanted hair. 

(See page 312 for more information.) 

Also, ask your doctor about medicines to 

slow or reduce hair growth.

. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 

(PCOS)

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) make too many male 

hormones. This can cause malepattern balding or thinning hair and/

or hirsutism. (See page 159 of the 

Reproductive Health chapter for more 

information on PCOS.)
312 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for all Ages

Trichotillomania 

People with trichotillomania (TRIHkoh-TIL-uh-MAY-nee-uh) have a 

strong urge to pull out their hair, which 

leads to visible hair loss. Some people 

with this hair-pulling disorder also pluck 

their eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. 

Hair pulling gives people with this disorder a sense of relief or pleasure. But 

it also is a source of distress and shame. 

Behavioral therapy and medicines can 

help a person stop hair pulling.

Cosmetic practices

Makeup

Good skin care is the foundation of 

beauty. But many women enjoy using makeup (cosmetics) too. If you use 

makeup, follow these tips:

l	 Read the labels for product content 

and safety information.

l	 Wash your hands before applying 

makeup. 

l	 Throw out products if the color changes or they get an odor.

l	 Throw out mascara after 3 months.

l	 Keep product containers tightly closed 

when not in use.

l	 Don’t share your makeup.

l	 Call your doctor if a product causes 

skin changes like itching and rash—

you may be having an allergic reaction.

Tattoos and permanent makeup

Tattoos are colored inks inserted under 

your skin. Permanent makeup is a tattoo made to look like eyebrow, lip, and 

eye liner. If you like tattoos, keep these 

health risks in mind: Needles that are not 

properly cleaned can pass infections— 

even HIV—from person to person. Allergic reactions to tattoo ink are rare but 

can happen. Also, poorly applied tattoos 

can be costly to remove. Temporary tattoos and other skin-staining products, 

including henna dyes, can cause allergic 

reactions. Henna is approved by the U.S. 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

only for use as a hair dye.

Hair removal

Cultural norms often affect a woman’s 

choice to remove body hair. Many 

women shave their legs and underarms. 

Wet hair first, then shave in the direction that your hair grows. Chemicals 

called depilatories dissolve unwanted 

hair. Depilatories can irritate, so always 

test on a small area of skin before using. 

Never use chemicals around your eyes or 

on broken skin. For laser, epilator (electrolysis), waxing, sugaring, or threading 

treatments, find a licensed technician. 

Serious side effects of hair removal can 

include swelling, blistering, scarring, and 

infection.
Skin and Hair Health 313

Cosmetic Procedures and Surgery

Some women choose to have cosmetic procedures to improve appearance and self-esteem. 

But the decision to have a cosmetic procedure 

should not be made lightly. If you are thinking 

about having a cosmetic procedure, ask your 

doctor:

• How is the procedure done?

• Am I good candidate for the procedure?

• How does my health history affect my risk of 

problems?

• What results and side effects can I expect?

• What are the risks?

• When can I restart normal activities?

• How much will the procedure cost? (Cosmetic procedures usually are not covered 

by insurance.)

• What is your training and experience?

• Can you provide references from patients you have treated?

Body piercing

Before piercing—poking a hole and 

inserting jewelry in—any part of your 

body, learn about the health risks. 

Piercings in your tongue, cheeks, and 

lips may cause gum disease. Infection is 

common in mouth and nose piercings, 

so talk with your doctor about signs of 

infection as well as allergies. Also ask if 

your shots, especially hepatitis and tetanus, are up to date. And make sure the 

shop follows safety and sanitary steps as 

set by the law.

Beauty tips to live by

Skin or hair care products claiming to 

reduce wrinkles or enhance shine are 

tempting to try. But keep in mind, the 

best beauty tips are free and up to you 

to follow. Living a healthy lifestyle and 

practicing sun safety can have you radiating beauty from both outside and 

within. n
314 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for all Ages

One Woman’s Story

My first bald spots appeared when I was 22 years old. A dermatologist gave me several cortisone shots, but he never said that I had a condition. He attributed my hair 

loss to stress. The shots worked; my hair grew back and I went on with my life. He didn’t 

say it, but I left his office with the impression that I was “cured.” 

I wasn’t. I had to go back for more cortisone shots, but he still didn’t give me a name 

for what I had. The bald spots would happen more frequently and take longer to fill in, 

if they filled in at all. I would get some regrowth, but it was sparse, thin, very fine, and 

sometimes gray. It also did not stay. I finally 

went to another dermatologist who told me 

I probably had alopecia areata and that it 

was not serious. Don’t let alopecia 

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that 

causes hair follicles to become inactive. 

While alopecia is physically benign, the psy- stop your life.

chological effects can be devastating and 

debilitating. It can strike swiftly and without 

warning; or it can happen over a period of 

years, changing constantly.

Over the years, I have seen several dermatologists who used different treatments with 

little success. Then I met a doctor who told me, “It’s only hair. Get over it.” His comment 

sent me into a deeper depression.

Then I met a compassionate, but honest, dermatologist. After she took my history and 

waited for me to stop crying, she explained alopecia to me in a way that I could understand. She explained that the pattern of hair loss indicates the probability of regrowth. 

Since my hair loss began around the perimeter of my head and was worse in the back of 

my head, the probability of it growing back was very slim. Even though this was not good 

news, it made sense. It gave me something to work with, allowed me to move on.

I used to think, “Why did this have to happen to me?” The answer is “Why not?” Once I 

stopped whining and started to count my blessings, alopecia did not seem that bad in 

the larger scheme of things. I’m not saying I would not like to have my hair, eyebrows, and 

eyelashes back. I am saying that I’m still all right without them.

Don’t let alopecia stop your life. Go to a support group. It gets easier knowing you are 

not alone. I don’t intend to get over it, but I do intend to deal with it and support other 

alopecians.

Cassandra

Columbia, Maryland
Skin and Hair Health 315

For More Information...

Office on Women’s Health, HHS

200 Independence Ave SW, Room 712E

Washington, DC 20201

Web site: www.womenshealth.gov/faq/

cosmetics.htm

www.womenshealth.gov/faq/varicose.htm 

Phone number: (800) 994-9662, 

(888) 220-5446 TDD

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information 

Clearinghouse, NIH

1 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

Web site: www.niams.nih.gov

Phone number: (877) 226-4267, 

(301) 565–2966 TTY

Office of Women’s Health, FDA

5600 Fishers Ln

Rockville, MD 20857

Web site: www.fda.gov/womens 

Phone number: (888) 463-6332

American Academy of Dermatology

PO Box 4014

Schaumburg, IL 60618-4014

Web site: www.aad.org/public

www.skincarephysicians.com

Phone number: (888) 462-3376

American Academy of Family Physicians

PO Box 11210 

Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210

Web site: www.familydoctor.org

American Society for Dermatologic 

Surgery

5550 Meadowbrook Dr, Suite 120

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Web site: www.asds.net

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

444 E Algonquin Rd

Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Web site: www.plasticsurgery.org

National Eczema Association

4460 Redwood Highway, Suite 16D

San Rafael, CA 94903-1953

Web site: www.nationaleczema.org

Phone number: (800) 818-7546

National Psoriasis Foundation

6600 SW 92nd Ave, Suite 300

Portland, OR 97223-7195

Web site: www.psoriasis.org

Phone number: (800) 723-9166

National Rosacea Society

800 S Northwest Highway, Suite 200

Barrington, IL 60010

Web site: www.rosacea.org

Phone number: (888) 662-5874

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

1835 R W Berends Dr SW 

Grand Rapids, MI 49519-4955 

Web site: www.phoenix-society.org